IntroductionUterus transplantation represents a revolutionary breakthrough for women with absolute infertility of uterine origin, offering them the possibility of realizing the dream of motherhood. This complex procedure has profound medical, ethical, and psychological implications. The aim of our study was to assess the personality, the presence of anxiety and depression, and perceived quality of life in a 29-year-old woman affected by Rokitansky syndrome (MRKH). Furthermore, we hypothesized that projective tests, compared with quantitative assessments, could more easily uncover the deepest, unconscious psychic contents of this woman who has faced such a difficult journey.DesignDescriptive Longitudinal Study.SubjectsSingle case.Main outcome measuresThe case report follows the Case Reporting (CARE) guidelines. In the pre-transplant evaluation, Giorgia (not her real name) was administered the Machover Test, the Baum Test, the Million Clinical Multiaxial Inventory- III (MCMI-III), the Short Form Health Survey-36 (F-36), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). The same instruments were re-administered 1 year and 2 years after the birth of her baby girl.ResultsThe projective graphic tests highlighted some significant aspects: the facial expression of the female figure became more restless in subsequent evaluations, until aggressiveness emerged (clenched fists) in the last evaluation. The tree was also drawn on a flowerbed in the last evaluations, indicating a sense of loneliness and abandonment.ConclusionOverall, uterus transplantation appears to be psychologically well-tolerated, but ongoing evaluation and psychological support are essential.

This cross-sectional observational study examined the relationship between psychological factors and multimodal emotion recognition abilities in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), introducing a humanoid robot as an innovative assessment modality. Sixty adults undergoing dialysis and awaiting renal transplantation (63.3 % male; mean age = 53.95 years, range 20-80) completed three emotion recognition tasks based on Ekman facial expressions, dynamic video clips, and emotional displays performed by the NAO humanoid robot, together with validated measures of alexithymia (TAS-20), anxiety (GAD-7), and depression (PHQ-9). Regression analyses showed that performance on the Ekman task was positively predicted by education and anxiety levels (β =.26, p = .037; β =.26, p = .043). Recognition of emotions in videos was negatively predicted by age (β = -.45, p < .001) and alexithymia (β = -.37, p = .002). For the robot-based task, increasing age (β = -.30, p = .020) and longer dialysis duration (β =.31, p = .017) significantly predicted recognition accuracy. Logistic regression analyses indicated that alexithymia negatively predicted recognition of disgust in videos and fear expressed by the robot. Levels of anxiety positively predicted recognition of happiness and fear in the Ekman test. Across the modalities, alexithymia and age emerged as core factors associated with reduced emotion recognition, with video and robot-based tasks capturing these differences more clearly than static facial stimuli. These findings suggest that socially assistive robots may represent a promising tool for detecting subtle socio-emotional processing alterations in medically vulnerable populations, supporting future longitudinal research integrating technological and psychological assessment.

The present study investigated the role of nationality in emotional distress, coping strategies, and health-promoting behaviors among university students from Italy, Albania, and India. This cross-sectional study separately involved three national community populations of university students. Participants self-completed the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21), the Prospective Life Course Questionnaire (PLCQ), the Coping Strategies Inventory Short Form (CSI-SF), and the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II Short Version (HPLP-II-SF). Results of MANOVA showed significant differences in emotional distress. Specifically, Albanian students reported lower levels of depression and stress compared to Italian students. No significant differences were found for anxiety. Results of hierarchical regression analyses revealed that future fears and disengagement coping were significantly associated with higher depression, anxiety, and stress scores, whereas engagement coping was associated with lower psychological distress; coping strategies accounted for the largest increase in explained variance across the three outcomes (ΔR² = 0.07–0.14). Future hopes were negatively associated only with depression. Health responsibility was positively associated with anxiety symptoms. Italian students generally reported higher stress levels than the other groups. In conclusion, findings highlighted the role of national context for understanding emotional distress. Disengagement coping and future fears may represent risk factors for emotional distress, whereas engagement coping may constitute a protective factor. Psychological interventions for promoting psychological well-being in university students should consider these findings.

Background: Kidney transplantation outcomes are correlated to many factors, including the socioeconomics conditions and the educational level. Methods: We evaluated the role of educational level on patient and graft survival in a population of 456 kidney transplant recipients. Patients were divided into two groups on the basis of their pre-transplant educational status: patients with primary education (elementary or middle school, as low education) were compared with patients with a secondary school education (high school or a university degree, as high education). Results: Among the 456 patients considered for this analysis, 161 patients had a low educational status, and 295 had a high educational status. Patients with a low educational status were more rarely employed (66.1% vs. 32.5%, p < 0.001), with a high rate of retired patients compared to high-educational status patients (35.6% vs. 10.6%, p < 0.001). Although the educational status did not influence the graft function, the 1-year (88.1% vs. 96.2%, p = 0.0008), 5-year (77.6% vs. 88.8%, p = 0.001), and 10-year (62.1% vs. 75%, p = 0.003) graft survival rates were significantly lower in patients with low educational status compared with high-educational status patients, respectively. Patient survival at 1-year (94.4% vs. 97.6%, p = 0.073), 5-year (85% vs. 92.5%, p = 0.011), and 10-year (75.7% vs. 83.4%, p = 0.042) follow-up was significantly lower in patients with low educational status. Conclusions: Low socioeconomic conditions and educational level had a negative impact on kidney transplant outcomes. Improving access to education and providing targeted educational support and health literacy could enhance treatment adherence and reduce disparities in transplant outcomes.

Background: Few studies have investigated the impact of parental bonding on the quality of life and psychological health in kidney transplant recipients. Exploring these factors could provide valuable insights into the development of psychosocial interventions aimed at improving patients' psychological adjustment and their overall quality of life. In this perspective, our study aimed to explore how dimensions of parental bonding, particularly maternal care and overprotection, may influence the quality of life and psychological well-being in kidney transplant recipients. By investigating these relationships, the study seeks to understand whether early maternal attachment experiences can predict psychological outcomes in adult transplant recipients. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving a sample of 99 kidney transplant recipients (69.7% males, mean age  =  52  ±  9.93 years) was conducted. Participants were recruited from the outpatient clinic of an Italian transplant center between May 2022 and July 2024. After an initial telephone interview, 1-2 interviews were performed in person to administer the questionnaires of the established protocol: the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) to identify the type of parental bond and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) Health Survey to evaluate the quality of life perceived by the patients. Results: Regression analyses revealed that higher perceived maternal care during childhood was positively associated with better psychological health during adulthood (β = 0.290; p < 0.05). Conversely, higher levels of perceived maternal overprotection were negatively associated with psychological health in this population (β = -0.286; p < 0.05). Conclusions: The results suggest that maternal affection and support may serve as a protective factor, while excessive maternal protection could impair the development of emotional coping mechanisms necessary for dealing with the stresses of adult life.

BackgroundThe present study aimed to investigate personality characteristics and psychopathological symptoms in patients with Fabry disease (FD) vs a group of individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).MethodsA total of 36 patients, equally divided into patients with FD and patients with ESRD (control group), were administered the following tools: the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory III (MCMI-III) to evaluate personality psychopathology and the Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R) to assess symptoms of psychopathology.ResultsSignificantly higher levels of Schizoid, Depressive, and Negativistic personality traits emerged in FD patients. Moreover, statistically significant differences in Anxiety, Interpersonal Sensitivity, Obsessive-Compulsive, Depression, Somatization, and Psychoticism dimensions of the SCL-90-R were found, with higher levels of each dimension in patients with FD than ESRD.ConclusionsThe literature, albeit limited, highlights how patients with FD are at higher risk of developing psychological distress and psychopathology than patients presenting other chronic diseases such as ESRD. Using psychological therapies together with standard treatments for FD can promote condition acceptance, reduce emotional burden, and relieve psychopathological symptoms in FD patients.

BackgroundOrgan transplantation profoundly affects not only patients’ physical health but also their psychological, emotional, and social well-being. Psychological interventions may support treatment adherence, emotional adjustment, and quality of life, yet the existing literature remains fragmented and methodologically heterogeneous.ObjectivesThis systematic review aimed to examine the available evidence on the effectiveness of psychological interventions in solid organ transplant recipients, with particular attention to outcomes related to anxiety, depression, stress, adherence, and quality of life.MethodsFollowing the PRISMA 2020 guidelines and with the protocol registered on PROSPERO (ID 1165280), a comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Inclusion criteria targeted studies involving adult solid organ transplant recipients receiving validated psychological or psychosocial interventions. Twenty-four studies met the eligibility criteria. Data extraction included demographic characteristics, organ type, psychological outcomes, intervention type, and duration. Relevant data, including quantitative findings and effect sizes where available, were extracted and synthesized.ResultsThe included studies revealed a heterogeneous yet coherent body of evidence supporting the relevance of psychological interventions in transplant care. Various approaches—including cognitive-behavioral, psychoeducational, mindfulness-based, expressive, and psychodynamic interventions—were associated, to different extents, with improvements in emotional well-being, adherence, and quality of life. The diversity of designs and outcomes, however, limits direct comparisons and precludes firm conclusions about relative effectiveness.ConclusionPsychological interventions represent a key component of comprehensive transplant care, contributing to patients’ emotional adjustment, adherence, and overall quality of life. Nonetheless, current evidence is constrained by small sample sizes, methodological heterogeneity, and short follow-ups. Future research should prioritize multicenter and longitudinal studies using standardized psychological and clinical outcomes, in order to strengthen the current evidence base and support the systematic integration of psychological interventions into transplant care.Systematic review registrationIdentifier PROSPERO (ID1165280).

Kidney transplant involves profound psychological, relational, and social changes for both the patients and their family context. Occasionally, the family or social support can be deemed "dysfunctional" as it fails to fully comprehend the patient's needs and requirements. Attachment style, which pertains to the motivation to seek proximity and care in relationships with caregivers, has a significative role in the social support system for transplant, therapeutic adherence, and maintenance of the transplanted organ. We sought to assess attachment styles among patients awaiting transplantation using psychosocial measures in order to study their impact on psychopathology, quality of life, and transplant eligibility. Eighty-five patients with chronic kidney disease awaiting transplantation were recruited at the Italian Transplant Center and were administered the Stanford Integrated Psychosocial Assessment for Transplantation (SIPAT), the Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ), the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI), the Short Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36), and the Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire (MHQ). Measures were entered in blocks in a stepwise multiple regression. The SIPAT score was significantly associated with key psycho-physical constructs. SIPAT was negatively predicted by maternal care (β = -.35, p = .001), secure attachment (i.e., confidence) (β = -.23, p = .029), and general physical health (β = -.25, p = .016) – which could be considered protective factors for transplant suitability. Conversely, anxiety symptoms were positively associated with SIPAT (β = .32, p = .001) and may serve as a risk factor for post-transplant issues. These findings highlight that in the evaluation of kidney transplant candidates, greater attention should be paid to parental bonding, adult attachment, and psychopathological symptoms, as these factors may play a key role as protective or risk factors for post-transplant issues. A timely assessment of these constructs may improve the evaluation of psychosocial suitability for transplantation, as well as allow the provision of targeted psychotherapeutic interventions to enhance the acceptance and management of illness in patients awaiting kidney transplants.

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with manifestations that go beyond the visual manifestation, and include psychological aspects. Some mental disorders or personality traits in psoriasis patients have also been highlighted, such as a negative or problematic attitude towards life, impulsive or avoidant behavior, and lower satisfaction with life. The aim of our cross-sectional study was to explore the associations between adult attachment, temperament, and quality of life of patients with psoriasis. Methods: A sample of 75 patients with psoriasis was evaluated with the Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ) to study adult attachment, the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, and San Diego Auto-questionnaire (TEMPS-A) to study temperament traits, and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) to study the impact of dermatological diseases on patients’ lives. Results: Depressive, cyclothymic, and irritable temperaments were found to be significantly positively associated with a need for approval and preoccupation with relationships subscales of the ASQ. The severity of skin disease effect on the patient’s life was higher in women than in men. Moreover, a statistically significant effect of the need for approval subscale of the ASQ was found. The positive correlation between the severity of skin disease effect on the patient’s life with a need for approval was statistically significant and stronger in women than in men. Conclusions: A better understanding of the impact of mental comorbidities on psoriasis and vice versa places an ever-greater responsibility on dermatologists involved in the management of psoriasis to recognize these problems and collaborate with psychologists and psychiatrists to help these patients.

Background: Uterus transplantation (UTx) is currently the only available treatment for absolute uterine factor infertility. Deceased donors have recently emerged as a valid alternative to living donors for uterus transplantation, with similar results. Methods: We report the first experience in Italy of uterus transplantation from deceased donors. Three uterus transplantations from deceased donors were performed at the Organ Transplant Unit of the University Hospital of Catania, Italy, between August 2020 and January 2022. Results: Two patients underwent UTx due to Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser syndrome, while one patient had a previous hysterectomy due to benign disease. The donors’ ages were between 25 and 43 years and the mean cold ischemia time was 18.3 h. The mean age of the recipients was 31.6 years, and the mean recipient surgery duration was 5.3 h, with a mean blood loss of 766.66 mL. Two recipients developed a post-transplant hematoma, which was treated conservatively. No uterus recipient needed a re-operation during the first 30 days after transplantation. No histological signs of acute rejection were detected at the cervical biopsies performed at 1, 3, and 6 months after transplantation. First menstruation occurred in all recipients after 39 ± 12 days after transplantation. One live birth was reported 15 months after UTx. One graft was lost three months after UTx due to graft thrombosis. Conclusions: Uterus transplantation from deceased donors is emerging as a valid alternative to living donors in order to increase the donor pool.

Background: Uterus transplantation represents a revolutionary breakthrough for women with absolute infertility of uterine origin, offering them the possibility of realizing the dream of motherhood. This complex procedure has profound medical, ethical and psychological implications. The aim of our study was to analyze the psychological distress caused by infertility and the experience of trying to get pregnant through uterus transplantation in a 29-year-old woman. Methods: The case report follows the Case Reporting (CARE) guidelines. In the pre-transplant evaluation, Giorgia was administered the Machover Test, the Bauman Test, the Million Clinical Multiaxial Inventory- III (MCMI-III), the Short Form Health Survey-36 (F-36), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). The same instruments were re-administered 1 year and 2 years after the transplant and the birth of the baby girl. Results: The projective graphic tests highlighted some significant aspects: the facial expression of the female figure became more restless in subsequent evaluations, until aggressiveness emerged (clenched fists) in the last evaluation. The tree will also be drawn on a flowerbed in the last evaluations, indicating a sense of loneliness and abandonment. Conclusions: Overall, uterus transplantation appears to be psychologically well-tolerated, but ongoing evaluation and psychological support are essential.

IntroductionFew studies have evaluated the psychological distress of COVID-19 in kidney transplantation and the psychological impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on kidney transplant recipients is not yet well understood. The present study aimed to investigate the change in symptom burden and health-related quality of life in the two years after initial assessment, by outlining the change over time of symptoms at 12 and 24 months of follow-up.MethodsThis is a follow-up study. We performed a study published in 2021 (phase 1 of COVID-19); of the 89 kidney transplant recipients evaluated in this study, 60 completed the 12 months follow-up (March 2021 June 2021, phase 2 of COVID-19) and 57 completed the 24 months follow-up (March 2022 June 2022, post COVID-19). The same tools as in previous study were administered: the ad hoc questionnaire on emotional state and psychophysical well-being during COVID-19, the Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire (MHQ) to provide a simple and rapid quantification of the psychological and somatic symptoms and the Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36) was used to assess health-related quality of life.ResultsCompared to the first and second phase of COVID-19, the mean score of quality of life variables were higher in the post COVID-19 phase; thus the recipients physical health, mental health and their perception of their general health improved. Regarding the psychopathology variables the levels of Anxiety, Depression and Phobia in the Post COVID-19 phase decreased, while the Somatization score was higher. Lastly, burden of COVID-19 scores in the third phase, significantly decreased.DiscussionOur study highlights a significant association between mental health and the burden of COVID-19 pandemic in kidney transplant recipients. This study showed, a significant worsening, over time, of some specific symptoms, such as somatization and phobias. However, the results showed that depressive symptoms improved during the study period. Long-term monitoring of kidney transplant recipients therefore remains fundamental. These results confirmed the need to provide integrated multidisciplinary services to adequately address the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of the most vulnerable subjects.

Purpose:To evaluate the association between emotional intelligence and fear of COVID-19 on self-reported adherence, based on a cross-sectional design.Patients and Methods:Transplants recipient of both sexes aged 23-75 years old were evaluated at the Organ Transplant Unit, University Hospital of Catania, Italy. Data were analyzed using frequency, descriptives, Spearman and Pearson correlations, Chi-square goodness of fit test, and linear regression. Self-reported adherence was estimated with the Basel Assessment of Adherence with Immunosuppressive Medication Scale (BAASIS). Emotional intelligence and fear of COVID were, respectively, measured with the Emotional Intelligence Scale (EIS) and Multidimensional Assessment of COVID-19 Related Fears Scale (MAC-RF). This was a cross-sectional study of kidney transplant recipients. In reporting this study the authors followed the STROBE guidelines.Results:A correlation was found between EIS and MAC and between EIS and adherence but there was no correlation between MAC and adherence. A linear regression model was also conducted using a stepwise method, which indicated that EIS was a significant predictor of adherence (p <0.05).Conclusion:This study was found that EIS is a predictor of adherence to treatment in transplant patients. Fear of COVID, while positively correlated to EIS, is not correlated to the adherence's outcome, possibly due to the proper follow-up performed to the patients. Indeed, according to these results, we suggest to provide good follow-ups with recipients, with interviews also based on self-regulation and awareness.

BackgroundAttachment theory represents a reference model for understanding better how pre-existing personality factors can influence the coping with some chronic conditions. The onset of a chronic disease can represent a "threat" to the relationships between the subject and parental figures according to the type of bond that already exists. The aim of our study was to explore attachment styles in a sample of hemodialysis patients, hypothesizing that a secure attachment bond can constitute a protective factor for the quality of life and mental health in this type of patients.DesignWe used a cross-sectional design.MethodsFifty hemodialysis patients were given the following tests: Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ) to assess attachment styles, Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) to assess parental bonding, Short Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36) for perceived quality of life and Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire (MHQ) to detect key psychological symptoms and relevant traits.ResultsThe results showed that secure attachment style correlated with good general health (r = 0.339; p < 0.05), good mental health (r = 0.547; p < 0.001) and mental component scale (r = 0.373; p < 0.05) of SF-36. Secure attachment was also significantly associated with mental health (B = 1.104; p = .002) of the SF-36.ConclusionsThe results confirmed the positive role of a secure attachment style for adequate psychological health. Early identification of patients with dysfunctional attachment styles will make it possible to offer them targeted interventions to improve their ability to accept, adapt and manage the disease and to maintain adequate psychological well-being.

The use of bicycles for active commuting is an important target to reach because of the importance of increasing physical activity among the population and improving the air quality in cities. Among the models that have been utilized in previous studies, the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) has shown good results in terms of the total variance obtained. However, establishing the relative importance of the TPB variables is difficult. In the present study, which was carried out in the Italian context, the authors sought to establish the weight of the proposed variables based on the dominance analysis approach. Considering the initiatives, which the Italian government carries out, and the particular period in which the study was developed, the authors included two variables in addition to the classical factors: financial incentives and daily commuting habits. A survey was administered to 294 Italians (222 females and 72 males, from 18 to 77 years old) through social networks from July to September 2020. The results have shown how the main predictor of bicycle use was use habits, followed almost at the same level by financial incentives and attitude, while norms and perceived behavioral control (PBC) present low relative importance among the variables considered. Limits of the study have been discussed, and suggestions for future research have been proposed.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in March 2020, has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people around the world in just a few months, putting at great risk the commitment of healthcare workers unprepared to manage a worldwide phenomenon at great risk. In the early stages especially, medical staff had to deal with the pandemic at the expense of their physical and mental health, putting them particularly at risk for experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study aims to analyze the psychopathological aspects associated with PTSD, focusing on the emotional impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare professionals compared with a control group. The sample analyzed over 2 months, from March to May 2021, included 214 participants into two groups, i.e., healthcare professionals (N = 107) and a control group (N = 107). The online assessment instrument used consisted of an anonymous questionnaire, assembled ad hoc with demographic information and different standardized assessment scales (e.g., Fear of COVID-19 scale, Profile of Mood States, and Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey), while a further section of the survey used the DSM-5 criteria to investigate Posttraumatic stress disorder (e.g., COVID-19—PTSD). The results reported that healthcare professionals had a consistent perception of stress (mean = 26.18, SD = 14.60), but not at a level significantly higher than other categories of workers (mean = 25.75, SD = 14.65; t = 0.20, p = 0.84). However, they showed less emotional disturbance than the control sample, better anxiety management skills, and lower levels of depressive disorder and mental confusion. Specifically, the healthcare professionals showed a condition of emotional exhaustion (T = 0.64, D = 0.74, A = 0.62, S = 0.75, C = 0.64) and depersonalization (T = 0.41, D = 0.52, A = 0.49, S = 0.60, C = 0.40), which is common in the burnout syndrome. In conclusion, the results obtained are useful in understanding the determinants of the emotional involvement of healthcare professions and the risk of burnout syndrome and, therefore, for planning activities and support paths for these workers who are particularly at risk during prolonged and pervasive crises, such as the pandemic.

In contemporary society, following the sudden changes that occur, different forms of addiction are becoming popular. Of note are the new addictions and concepts of poly-dependencies that involve common behaviors and trap people who suffering from them in a vicious circle. The main goal of this study is to investigate the possible mediating role that self-esteem had between trait anxiety and two specific new addictions: compulsive buying behavior and eating disorders. Furthermore, it was verified through a multigroup analysis that trait anxiety had a greater effect on eating disorders in a group of compulsive consumers. Three-hundred and fifty-two participants (67.9% women) were enrolled to participate in this study. The results showed that there was a direct effect of trait anxiety on eating disorders and on compulsive buying behavior; self-esteem mediated the effect of trait anxiety on eating disorders and compulsive buying behavior with specific differences; multi-group analysis showed differences in anxiety’s effect on eating disorders between compulsive and non-compulsive consumers; the group of compulsive consumers revealed a significant and stronger effect of trait anxiety on eating disorders in all domains identified. Further research is recommended to better understand the predictors of these disorders and to contribute to a more effective preventive intervention.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in mental distress such as phobic anxieties, depressive reactions, hypochondriac concerns, and insomnia. Among the causes are risk of infection and prolonged isolation. This study aimed to analyze psychopathological variables and dysfunctional lifestyles related to adequate therapeutic compliance in kidney transplant recipients. Methods: Eighty-nine kidney transplant recipients were evaluated using an online protocol including a questionnaire concerning habits, lifestyle and psychophysical well-being in the COVID-19 period, the Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire (MHQ) and the SF-36 Health Survey to evaluate the perception of their physical and emotional health. Results: Of these recipients, 28.6% reported changes in their emotional state. Sleep quality deteriorated for 16.1%. Anxiety (M = 5.57, r = 0.33; p < 0.05) and phobia (M = 6.28, r = 0.26; p < 0.05) correlated with concerns related to physical health. There was no negative impact on relational and socialization aspects, which were likely well compensated by the use of remote technologies such as video phone calls, Zoom meetings and use of computers (r = 0.99; r = 0.80; p < 0.05). Conclusions: It would be interesting to maintain this remote visit and interview mode to monitor, on a clinical and psychological level, kidney transplant recipients in subsequent follow-ups (12–18 months), to check for any psychopathological disorders and/or changes in their resilience capacity in the Coronavirus emergency.

Introduction: As of March 2020, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been declared a “pandemic” by the WHO. This has led to the need for governments around the world to implement restrictive containment and isolation measures to stem the spread of the virus; these measures have included social distancing, isolation, and quarantine. The fear of contagion has been indicated as one of the causes of stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia in the general population. With respect to the response of young people to the pandemic, the category of University students deserves further attention. The sudden change in “University” habits (i.e., poor interaction with teachers and colleagues, disturbing learning environment, and difficulty in adapting to online learning), the consequent loss of a social network, and the economic problems in their families have seriously affected the psychophysical well-being of University students. The aim of this study was to explore, in a sample of Italian University students, the relationships among anxiety, perceived vulnerability to disease, and smartphone use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A sample of 194 volunteer college students (i.e., 86 males and 108 females) aged between 18 and 30 years ( M = 21.74; SD = 2.39) were recruited to participate in this study. Participants were recruited through an online questionnaire sent to students of the University of Catania, Italy, and distributed from September 2020 to January 2021. The volunteer participants were given an online protocol that included the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) for the evaluation of fear, the Perceived Vulnerability to Disease (PVD) for the evaluation of perceived vulnerability to disease, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) for the evaluation of trait and state anxiety, and the Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Version for Adolescents and Young Adults (SAS-SV) for the evaluation of use, abuse, or addiction of smartphone use. Results: The fear of COVID-19 did not reach an intensity such as to be defined as serious (i.e., fear score: 15.53) in the whole sample. Both men and women showed a high risk of smartphone addiction (i.e., score of males: 28.33 and score of females: 26.88) in SAS-SV. University students showed moderate trait and state anxiety [i.e., a score of 51.60 in Trait Anxiety Inventory (TAI) and a score of 47.21 in State Anxiety Inventory (SAI)] in STAI. In addition, students showed moderate perceived vulnerability to disease (i.e., a score of 51.51) in PVD. The results showed that fear of COVID-19 and trait anxiety appear to be the predictors of SAI and PVD but not the predictors of risk of smartphone addiction (SAS-SV). Conclusions: The data highlighted the presence of a perception of vulnerability to infections in subjects in which there was also a moderate anxiety, both state and trait, associated with the fear of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is hoped that a large part of the population will soon be vaccinated, including University students, and therefore, it would be desirable to carry out further assessments in the post-vaccine phase to highlight any differences in the state of anxiety and the perception of vulnerability to infections. The possible positive role of the use of smartphones in maintaining social contacts should also be emphasized.