ObjectiveOur aim was to assess the level and socio-demographic correlates of the ability to maintain health among children in Albania, a post-communist country in the Western Balkans.MethodsA ...cross-sectional study was conducted in Albania in September 2022. The study population consisted of a nationwide representative sample of 7,831 schoolchildren (≈54% girls) aged 12-15 years. A structured self-administered and anonymous questionnaire inquired about the children's attitudes toward health promotion (ability to maintain and improve health) and a range of key dimensions on knowledge and practices regarding healthcare services. Socio-demographic data were also collected. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the socio-demographic correlates of children's ability to maintain health.ResultsOverall, about 71% of schoolchildren exhibited the best attitudes toward health promotion (ability to maintain and improve health). In the multivariable adjusted logistic regression models, poorer attitudes toward health promotion (ability to maintain and improve health) were significantly related to older age (OR=1.2, 95% CI=1.0-1.3), middle/low maternal education (OR=1.2, 95%CI=1.1-1.3), poor/very poor economic situation (OR=1.5, 95%CI=1.2-1.8), lack of appropriate knowledge about rights to healthcare (OR=1.3, 95% CI=1.1-1.5), lack of knowledge about obtaining healthcare services (OR=1.7, 95%CI=1.4-2.2), and lack of consultations/visits with health professionals excluding vaccinations (OR=1.2, 95%CI=1.1-1.4).ConclusionsAlmost 1/3rd of Albanian schoolchildren included in this study did not exhibit the best attitudes toward health promotion (ability to maintain and improve health). The best attitudes were related to a higher socioeconomic level and adequate knowledge and practices regarding healthcare services. There is thus a need to increase health literacy levels among children in order to ultimately induce sustainable healthy behavioural/lifestyle practices.
Our aim was to assess the trends and correlates of the leadership competency level of female health professionals in Albania, a transitional country in the Western Balkans, based on a standardized ...international instrument.
Two nationwide cross-sectional studies were conducted in Albania in 2014 (first wave;
= 105 women) and subsequently in 2018 (second wave;
= 121 women). A structured questionnaire was administered to all female participants aiming at self-assessing the
level of leadership competencies and the
(desirable) level of leadership competencies for their current job position. The questionnaire consisted of 52 items pertinent to eight domains. Answers for each item of the instrument ranged from 1 ("minimal competency level") to 5 ("maximal competency level"). Overall summary scores (range: 52-260) were calculated for both the current and the required leadership competency levels in both survey rounds, based on which the gap in leadership competency level was also computed (required
current competency level). Binary logistic regression was used to assess the correlates of the gap in leadership competency level among study participants.
In multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models, there was evidence of a positive association between the gap in leadership competency level and: workplace in urban areas (OR = 3.2, 95%CI = 1.6-6.6); work experience (OR
= 1.1, 95%CI = 1.0-1.2); first round of the survey conducted in 2014 (OR = 2.1, 95%CI = 1.0-4.3); and, particularly, a high managerial job position/level (OR = 3.8, 95%CI = 1.6-9.3). Conversely, there was an inverse relationship with the age of women (OR
= 0.9, 95%CI = 0.8-1.0).
Our study provides useful evidence about trends over time and selected correlates of the gap in leadership competencies among female health professionals in Albania. Policymakers and decision-makers in Albania and other countries should be aware of the unmet need for leadership training of female health professionals at all levels.
Aim. We aimed to assess the prevalence and lifestyle correlates of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the adult population of Albania, a Mediterranean country in Southeast Europe which has ...experienced major behavioral changes in the past two decades. Methods. A cross-sectional study, conducted in 2012, included a population-representative sample of 845 individuals (≥18 years) residing in Tirana (345 men, mean age: 51.3±18.5; 500 women, mean age: 49.7±18.8; response rate: 84.5%). Assessment of GERD was based on Montreal definition. Covariates included socioeconomic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and body mass index. Logistic regression was used to assess the association of socioeconomic characteristics and lifestyle factors with GERD. Results. The overall prevalence of GERD was 11.9%. There were no significant sex differences, but a higher prevalence among the older participants. In fully adjusted models, there was a positive relationship of GERD with smoking, physical inactivity, fried food consumption, and obesity, but not so for alcohol intake and meat consumption. Conclusion. We obtained important evidence on the prevalence and lifestyle correlates of GERD in a Western Balkans' country. Smoking, physical inactivity, and obesity were strong “predictors” of GERD in this population. Findings from this study should be replicated in prospective studies in Albania and other transitional settings.
To inform policymakers well, there is a need to promote different types of health examination surveys as additional sources of valuable information which, otherwise, would not be available through ...routine/administrative statistics. This is especially important for former communist countries of South Eastern Europe including Albania, where the existing health information system (HIS) is weak. Among many efforts to strengthen the HIS in Albania, there is currently a commitment to undertake a second round of a nationwide Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). This survey will involve a nationwide representative sample of about 17,000 private households, where all women aged 15-59 years and their respective partners will be interviewed and examined. Externally, the upcoming Albanian DHS will contribute to the European Union accession requirements regarding provision of standardized and valid health information. Furthermore, the DHS will considerably enhance the core functions of the Albanian health system in line with the WHO recommendations. Internally, the DHS will promote societal participation and responsibility in transitional Albania. Importantly, the forthcoming survey will promote good governance including transparency, accountability and health system responsiveness. Also, the DHS will allow for collection of internationally valid and standardized baseline socio-demographic and health information for: assessment of future national trends; monitoring and evaluation of health programs and interventions; evidencing health disparities and inequities; and cross-national comparisons between Albania and different countries of the European Region. Ultimately, findings of the DHS will enable rational decision-making and evidence-based policy formulation in Albania including appropriate planning, prioritization and sound resource allocation. However, transfer of the information collected and implementation in public health policies and interventional programs is rather challenging for most of the countries, particularly for transitional post-communist countries of South Eastern Europe including Albania.
Aim: Our objective was to assess the current and the required level of leadership competencies among male health professionals in Albania, a country which is characterized by an intensive process of ...emigration of the health workforce in the past few decades. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out in Albania in June-November 2018 including a nationwide representative sample of 132 male health professionals working at different health institutions at both central and local level in Albania (mean age: 41.4±10.1 years; overall response rate: 88%). A structured 52-item questionnaire was administered to all male health professionals aiming at self-assessing the current level and the required (necessary) level of leadership competencies for their actual job positions. Answers for each item of the instrument ranged from 1 (“minimal competency level”) to 5 (“maximal competency level”). An overall summary score (range: 52-260) and a subscale summary score for each domain were calculated for both the current and the required leadership competency levels. Paired sample t-test was used to compare the overall mean scores and the subscale mean scores of the current level and the required level of leadership competencies among male health professionals. Results: Mean value of the overall summary score of the instrument was lower for the current leadership competency level compared with the required leadership competency level (137.6±8.7 vs. 140.7±21.2, respectively; P=0.02). Mean difference between the required and the current level of leadership competencies was higher for male health professionals working in top managerial positions and those working in urban areas of Albania. Conclusion: This study informs about the current and the required level of leadership competencies among male health professionals in Albania, a transitional country in the Western Balkans. Policymakers and decision-makers in Albania and other countries in the European region should be aware of the existing gap between the required and the current level of leadership competencies among health professionals operating at all levels.
Aim: Our objective was to assess the current and the required level of leadership competencies among male health professionals in Albania, a country which is characterized by an intensive process of ...emigration of the health workforce in the past few decades. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out in Albania in June-November 2018 including a nationwide representative sample of 132 male health professionals working at different health institutions at both central and local level in Albania (mean age: 41.4±10.1 years; overall response rate: 88%). A structured 52-item questionnaire was administered to all male health professionals aiming at self-assessing the current level and the required (necessary) level of leadership competencies for their actual job positions. Answers for each item of the instrument ranged from 1 (“minimal competency level”) to 5 (“maximal competency level”). An overall summary score (range: 52-260) and a subscale summary score for each domain were calculated for both the current and the required leadership competency levels. Paired sample t-test was used to compare the overall mean scores and the subscale mean scores of the current level and the required level of leadership competencies among male health professionals. Results: Mean value of the overall summary score of the instrument was lower for the current leadership competency level compared with the required leadership competency level (137.6±8.7 vs. 140.7±21.2, respectively; P=0.02). Mean difference between the required and the current level of leadership competencies was higher for male health professionals working in top managerial positions and those working in urban areas of Albania. Conclusion: This study informs about the current and the required level of leadership competencies among male health professionals in Albania, a transitional country in the Western Balkans. Policymakers and decision-makers in Albania and other countries in the European region should be aware of the existing gap between the required and the current level of leadership competencies among health professionals operating at all levels. Conflicts of interest: None.
Aim: Our objective was to assess the current and the required level of leadership competencies among male health professionals in Albania, a country which is characterized by an intensive process of ...emigration of the health workforce in the past few decades. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out in Albania in June-November 2018 including a nationwide representative sample of 132 male health professionals working at different health institutions at both central and local level in Albania (mean age: 41.4±10.1 years; overall response rate: 88%). A structured 52-item questionnaire was administered to all male health professionals aiming at self-assessing the current level and the required (necessary) level of leadership competencies for their actual job positions. Answers for each item of the instrument ranged from 1 (“minimal competency level”) to 5 (“maximal competency level”). An overall summary score (range: 52-260) and a subscale summary score for each domain were calculated for both the current and the required leadership competency levels. Paired sample t-test was used to compare the overall mean scores and the subscale mean scores of the current level and the required level of leadership competencies among male health professionals. Results: Mean value of the overall summary score of the instrument was lower for the current leadership competency level compared with the required leadership competency level (137.6±8.7 vs. 140.7±21.2, respectively; P=0.02). Mean difference between the required and the current level of leadership competencies was higher for male health professionals working in top managerial positions and those working in urban areas of Albania. Conclusion: This study informs about the current and the required level of leadership competencies among male health professionals in Albania, a transitional country in the Western Balkans. Policymakers and decision-makers in Albania and other countries in the European region should be aware of the existing gap between the required and the current level of leadership competencies among health professionals operating at all levels. Conflicts of interest: None.
Abstract
This article reports on May Measurement Month (MMM) 2018, which consisted of the 2nd round of the hypertension screening campaign conducted in Albania, a former communist country in South ...Eastern Europe. The hypertension screening campaign in Albania was conducted during the period 13–31 May 2018. Overall, there were eight sites from seven districts of the country involving 7046 participants aged ≥18 years (61% women and 39% men; overall mean age 46.8 ± 15.7 years). Blood pressure was measured with OMRON sphygmomanometers (Omron Healthcare, Kyoto, Japan). Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥140 mmHg, or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥90 mmHg, or on treatment for hypertension. Self-reported information included height and weight, diabetes, smoking status, and alcohol intake. The proportion of participants with hypertension was 37.2% of whom only 52.1% exhibited awareness. Furthermore, only a quarter of hypertensive individuals were properly treated and controlled. Significant predictors of high SBP and/or high DBP included a previous diagnosis of hypertension, being on antihypertensive medication, frequent alcohol intake, and being overweight and obese. The MMM 2018 campaign in Albania had a unique value for early detection of hypertension, particularly among younger adults. Policymakers and decision-makers in Albania and elsewhere should also rely on the MMM screening campaigns which have a great potential for prevention and control of hypertension in the general population.
To inform policymakers well, there is a need to promote different types of health examination surveys as additional sources of valuable information which, otherwise, would not be available through ...routine/administrative statistics. This is especially important for former communist countries of South Eastern Europe including Albania, where the existing health information system (HIS) is weak. Among many efforts to strengthen the HIS in Albania, there is currently a commitment to undertake a second round of a nationwide Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). This survey will involve a nationwide representative sample of about 17,000 private households, where all women aged 15-59 years and their respective partners will be interviewed and examined. Externally, the upcoming Albanian DHS will contribute to the European Union accession requirements regarding provision of standardized and valid health information. Furthermore, the DHS will considerably enhance the core functions of the Albanian health system in line with the WHO recommendations. Internally, the DHS will promote societal participation and responsibility in transitional Albania. Importantly, the forthcoming survey will promote good governance including transparency, accountability and health system responsiveness. Also, the DHS will allow for collection of internationally valid and standardized baseline socio-demographic and health information for: assessment of future national trends; monitoring and evaluation of health programs and interventions; evidencing health disparities and inequities; and cross-national comparisons between Albania and different countries of the European Region. Ultimately, findings of the DHS will enable rational decision-making and evidence-based policy formulation in Albania including appropriate planning, prioritization and sound resource allocation. However, transfer of the information collected and implementation in public health policies and interventional programs is rather challenging for most of the countries, particularly for transitional post-communist countries of South Eastern Europe including Albania.
To inform policymakers well, there is a need to promote different types of health examination surveys as additional sources of valuable information which, otherwise, would not be available through ...routine/administrative statistics. This is especially important for former communist countries of South Eastern Europe including Albania, where the existing health information system (HIS) is weak. Among many efforts to strengthen the HIS in Albania, there is currently a commitment to undertake a second round of a nationwide Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). This survey will involve a nationwide representative sample of about 17,000 private households, where all women aged 15-59 years and their respective partners will be interviewed and examined. Externally, the upcoming Albanian DHS will contribute to the European Union accession requirements regarding provision of standardized and valid health information. Furthermore, the DHS will considerably enhance the core functions of the Albanian health system in line with the WHO recommendations. Internally, the DHS will promote societal participation and responsibility in transitional Albania. Importantly, the forthcoming survey will promote good governance including transparency, accountability and health system responsiveness. Also, the DHS will allow for collection of internationally valid and standardized baseline socio-demographic and health information for: assessment of future national trends; monitoring and evaluation of health programs and interventions; evidencing health disparities and inequities; and cross-national comparisons between Albania and different countries of the European Region. Ultimately, findings of the DHS will enable rational decision-making and evidence-based policy formulation in Albania including appropriate planning, prioritization and sound resource allocation. However, transfer of the information collected and implementation in public health policies and interventional programs is rather challenging for most of the countries, particularly for transitional post-communist countries of South Eastern Europe including Albania.
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