Suchergebnisse

BACKGROUND: Health literacy (HL) may be an important determinant of health, but this concept is largely under-researched in Albania, a transitional country in the Western Balkans which is currently undergoing major political and socioeconomic changes. We aimed to assess the sociodemographic distribution of HL in this transitional South Eastern European country aspiring to join the European Union. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in urban Tirana, the capital of Albania, during September 2012-February 2014 including a representative population-based sample of 1154 adult individuals aged >/=18 years (57% women; 89% response). HL was assessed using the full version (47 items) of the 'Health Literacy Survey-European Union Questionnaire'. Spearman's correlation coefficients were used to assess the linear associations between HL indexes with demographic and socioeconomic correlates of study participants. RESULTS: Overall HL was significantly higher among younger, highly educated and better-off participants. Conversely, no significant differences were noticed regarding sex, employment status or marital status of respondents. CONCLUSIONS: Sociodemographic correlates of HL among Albanian adults showed similar trends with those observed in other former communist countries of Europe. Current findings may help policymakers tailor accordingly future interventions and programs to improve health status of Albanian citizens.

Nonformal education methodology is promoted by the European Union as a priority. Western Balkan countries are supported in using this methodology via access Community funds (Erasmus +, previously Youth in Action). Nonformal education (proven as the most effective education method for youth) is expected to have the same impact if used in Public Health. We aimed to explore how nonformal education methodology contributes to health promotion through elaborating the example of transitional Albania. An Exploratory Sequential Mixed Methods design was used. We organized two focus groups: one with students of medical sciences and another with none medical students. We randomly selected eight participants per focus group from the Beyond Barriers association database (Contact point for Erasmus+ Programme in Albania). We used conventional content analysis to analyze qualitative data. Exploratory group interviews were conducted previously, using a questionnaire, which was piloted prior to administration. Of a population of 581 youth who participated in nonformal education activities during 2007-2013, 113 youths were interviewed. Ninety percent of interviewees declared that nonformal education activities have influenced improvement of their skills/competences or helped to acquire new ones; 53% declared that they reflected a change into personal behavior/actions/attitudes. Trainees learned through practice. They intended to retain the healthy behavior even when the activity was finished. Nonformal education activities offered equal opportunities to all youth despite their gender or field of study. Nonformal education methodology is recommended to be used in health promotion campaigns targeting young people as a very effective tool.