Table 1 Characteristics of participants (n = 16) and children (n = 17)

Study participants (n = 16); n (%)

Mother only

8 (50.0%)

Father only

1 (6.2%)

Both parents

7 (43.8%)

Parental citizenship; n (%)

Both Italian parents

6 (37.5%)

One Italian parent

3 (18.8%)

No Italian parents

7 (43.7%)

Gender of children (n = 17); n (%)

Male

8 (47.1%)

Female

9 (52.9%)

Age of children, months

Mean = 14.5, SD = 16.6; Median = 9.1; Range: 3.3-67.9

Time from discharge, months

Mean = 3.8, SD = 2.4; Median = 3.5; Range: 0.7-8.3

Children’s diagnosed health condition at discharge; n (%)

Prematurity < 1000 gr

9 (52.9%)

Encephalopathy

5 (29.4%)

Hydrocephalus

1 (5.9%)

Myopathy

1 (5.9%)

Malformation

1 (5.9%)

Hospital Unit; n (%)

Pediatric and Nursery Unit LHA Imola

2 (11.8%)

Neonatology and NICU LHA Bologna

1 (5.9%)

Pediatric Unit LHA Bologna

3 (17.6%)

Pediatric Surgery Unit UH Bologna

3 (17.6%)

Neonatology Unit UH Bologna

7 (41.2%)

Pediatric Emergency Room UH Bologna

1 (5.9%)