Prevalence and Sociodemographic Correlates of Smoking among Schoolchildren in Albania

Rudina Çumashi, Iris Mone, Genc Burazeri, Lulzim Çela, Enkeleint A. Mechili and Gentiana Qirjako ()
Additional contact information
Rudina Çumashi: Institute of Public Health, Rr. “Aleksander Moisiu”, No. 80, P.O. Box 1005 Tirana, Albania
Iris Mone: Department of Biomedical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine, Rr. “Dibres”, No. 371, P.O. Box 1005 Tirana, Albania
Genc Burazeri: Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine, Rr. “Dibres”, No. 371, P.O. Box 1005 Tirana, Albania
Lulzim Çela: University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa”, Rr. “Dibres”, No. 370, P.O. Box 1005 Tirana, Albania
Enkeleint A. Mechili: Department of Healthcare, Faculty of Health, University of Vlora, P.O. Box 9401 Vlora, Albania
Gentiana Qirjako: Institute of Public Health, Rr. “Aleksander Moisiu”, No. 80, P.O. Box 1005 Tirana, Albania

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 9, 1-10

Abstract: Smoking among children remains a critical public health issue, with millions of minors engaging in tobacco use, leading to addiction and long-term health consequences. Our objective was to assess the prevalence and sociodemographic distribution of smoking habits among Albanian children. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Albania in 2022, including a nationwide representative sample of 5454 schoolchildren aged 11, 13, and 15 years (N = 5454; ≈52% girls; response rate: 96%). Data on smoking habits were gathered, along with sociodemographic factors of schoolchildren. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the associations of smoking variables with sociodemographic factors. The prevalence of smoking variables was 12% for lifetime cigarette smoking, 7% for current cigarette smoking, 20% for lifetime smoking of e-cigarettes, and 13% for current smoking of e-cigarettes. Independent positive correlates of both cigarette and e-cigarette smoking included male gender, age 15, and pertinence to more affluent families (all p < 0.01). The prevalence of smoking among Albanian children is seemingly high, which should be a cause of serious concern to decisionmakers and policymakers in this transitional country. Albania should immediately consider the implementation of expanded comprehensive tobacco control measures, which will save lives, reduce illness, and help reduce the economic burden associated with tobacco-related illness.

Keywords: Albania; children; e-cigarettes; health behaviour in school-aged children (HBSC); schoolchildren; smoking; tobacco (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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