Self-reported Prevalence and Risk Factors of Non-communicable Diseases in the Albanian Adult Population.
OBJECTIVE
There is growing evidence that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a major health problem in developing and transitional countries. The prevalence of NCDs and associated factors are under-researched in Albania. We aimed to assess the prevalence and socio-demographic and lifestyle correlates of NCDs in the Albanian adult population.


METHODS
The study was carried out in the framework of Albania Living Standard Measurement Survey (LSMS), a national population-based cross-sectional study conducted in 2012 including 12,554 men and women aged ≥35 years. All participants reported on the presence of at least one chronic condition, which in the analysis was dichotomized into "yes" vs. "no". Information on socio-demographic characteristics (age, gender, education, employment status, residence) and lifestyle factors (smoking and alcohol consumption) was also collected. Logistic regression was used to assess socio-demographic and behavioral correlates of NCDs.


RESULTS
Overall, the prevalence of chronic diseases in this population-based sample of Albanian adults was 2864/12554=22.8%. Upon multivariable adjustment for all covariates, positive correlates of chronic conditions were older age (OR=6.0, 95%CI=5.3-6.8), female gender (OR=1.2, 95%CI=1.1-1.4), residence in coastal areas of Albania (OR=2.0, 95%CI=1.7-2.5), unemployment (OR=1.8, 95%CI=1.6-2.0), low education (OR=1.6, OR=1.3-1.9) and current smoking (OR=1.2, 95%CI=1.1-1.5). Conversely, there was an inverse association with poverty (OR=0.8, 95%CI=0.7-1.0).


CONCLUSIONS
This study provides evidence on self-reported NCDs and its determinants in transitional Albania. These baseline data may be useful for assessment of future NCD trends in Albania and cross-comparisons with the neighboring countries.
University Clinic of Oncology, University Hospital Center Mother Teresa, Tirana Albania; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine, Tirana, Albania.
Fatjona
F
Kraja
Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine, Tirana, Albania; University Clinic of Gastrohepatology, University Hospital Center Mother Teresa, Tirana, Albania.
Bledar
B
Kraja
Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine, Tirana, Albania.
Iris
I
Mone
Diagnostic and Medical Center "Harrison", Tirana, Albania.
Ilda
I
Harizi
University Clinic of Gastrohepatology, University Hospital Center Mother Teresa, Tirana, Albania.
Adriana
A
Babameto
Department of International Health, School for Public Health and Primary Care (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Genc
G
Burazeri
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000415:Albania / Q000453:epidemiology; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000073296:Noncommunicable Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D057566:Self Report; D012737:Sex Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
Albania; non-communicable diseases; risk factors