INTRODUCTION The possibility of an HIV/AIDS epidemic in southeastern Europe (SEE) is not improbable. Thus, an understanding of the current issues surrounding HIV/AIDS care, specifically antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, in countries within SEE is critical. This study was conducted to determine the ART adherence characteristics of Albania's HIV-positive population. METHODOLOGY This cross...

This study examine the impact of Albanian free trade agreements on the overall economy in general and in agriculture sector, exports and imports in particular, turning out to be increased in significant amounts. These trade agreements have provided the Albanian economy with a competitive advantage and economic space. Among the countries with which Albania has free trade agreements Turkey, Kosov...

Aim: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is becoming of increasing concern worldwide in terms of individual and societal grounds. Half of diabetics don’t know they have diabetes and about 4 out of 5 diabetics live in low and middle income countries. DM is boosted by the increase in overweight, obesity and physical inactivity. Our aim was to review the latest trends in diabetes control and management in orde...

(137)Cs activity concentrations were studied in the sediment profiles collected at five locations in the Middle and South Adriatic. In the sediment profiles collected from the South Adriatic Pit, the deepest part of the Adriatic Sea, two (137)Cs peaks were identified. The peak in the deeper layer was attributed to the period of intensive atmospheric nuclear weapon tests (early 1960s), and the o...

The genetic structure of a rural isolated population living in Kukës District in northern part of Albania, was analyzed through the surnames distribution. The data suitable for this analysis were obtained from Electoral Register (2009) offered by Central Election Commission of Albania. In order to estimate the population diversity, the information from the populations of 10 administrative units...

Aedes albopictus is considered second only to Ae. aegypti in its importance to man as a disease vector of dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever. The first sighting in 1979 of the vector species in Europe came from Albania; however, it was only when Ae. albopictus was introduced into Italy in 1990, through the importation of used tires, followed by its subsequent spread, that the species was consi...

Noroviruses (NoVs) are considered as the leading cause of diarrheal diseases in all groups of age. In the last decade the number of NoV outbreaks worldwide is increasing. Data published by the systems of NoV surveillance show the GII.4 strain as the human predominant genotype circulating worldwide and new genetic variants of GII.4 were associated with epidemic events. In Albania the economy tra...

AIM Our aim was to assess the prevalence of breast cancer among women who showed up and participated in the breast cancer screening program during October 2007-October 2008 in Tirana, the Albanian capital city. METHODS A breast cancer prevention and treatment campaign was undertaken in Tirana, Albania, in 2007 which included also mammography examination for the early detection of breast cance...

As governments seek to expand access to quality health care services, policy makers in many countries are confronting the problem of informal payments to medical personnel. The aim of this study was to help health planners in Albania understand informal payments occurring in government health facilities. Researchers used in-depth interviews and focus groups with 131 general public and provider ...

AIM To assess the level of knowledge of the adult users of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) regarding their side effects and the socio-demographic factors associated with the use of these drugs in the adult population of Albania. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study including a representative sample of 199 individuals aged ≥18 years (77% women; overall mean age: 30.3±10.0 ye...