Background The COVID-19 pandemic impacted health care workers in many ways including mental health. This impact is usually underestimated in particular in developing countries. Objectives The study aims to assess the level of anxiety, depression, risk perception, and coping strategies of Albanian healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify associated factors. Methods A cross-sectional online study was conducted from April to May 2020 by recruiting health care personnel through the snowballing method. Data collection was carried out through social media using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) by Google forms. Participants were recruited from all health care sectors including doctors, nurses, etc. working in both the public and private sectors. Results 410 questionnaires were included in the analysis. Most participants were nurses (59.3%), female (78.5%), and belonged to the age group 26–40 years (46.3%). Mild levels of anxiety were expressed in 26.9% of participants while 7.2% of them expressed moderate levels. 23.1% and 12.1% of participants expressed respectively mild and moderate depression levels. High levels of risk perception were found. A statistical association was found between occupation (p = 0.011), gender (p = 0.031), providing care for COVID-19 patients (p = 0.011), and the availably of mental health support in the workplace. Poor coping strategies were reported among participants. Conclusions Mental health support should be a priority of the healthcare system in particular for young health care workers caring for COVID-19 patients. It can improve the mental health status of health care workers and their family members, impacting the quality of care provided.

To evaluate the level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet pattern overall and to specific dietary components, among Albanian adults. Design and Setting: This is a cross-sectional study carried out during June -July 2019 in Vlora and Fieri cities, Albania. The study population consisted of 209 adults, randomly selected. Participation rate was 73%. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed via an online questionnaire based on the previously validated and translated 14 item questionnaire PREDIMED (Prevención com Dieta Mediterránea). Results: Most of the participants enrolled in the study were women (63%) and between 18-35 years of age (76.1%) . The majority of the participants had moderate adherence to Mediterranean diet (57.4%) and only 14.4% of them had high adherence. Higher adherence was reported for the use of olive oil as the primary culinary fat (72.7%), whereas lowest adherence was achieved for wine consumption (12.4%). Mean Mediterranean diet score did not differ significatly between women and men. Conclusions: There is a worldwide trend to adopt unhealthy eating behaviour and the results of this study indicate that eating patterns and lifestyle habits in the population have to be improved. We recommend that there is a strong need for effective strategies to promote healthy behaviour and to implement Mediterranean diet by more individuals.

Introduction: Health education is the strongest tool we have, because through it, it is possible to build a new positive relationship towards knowledge and food habits and also prevent potential health problems and chronic diseases related to nutrition. Purpose: Evaluation of the role of health education in Albania, through the comparison of healthy eating habits before and after health education. Methods: This is a Comparative Effectiveness Research, conducted in Albania, predominantly in the City of Vlora, during May-July 2020, using AFQPHALS, a survey that was distributed through social media, and was completed by 545 adult subjects. Results: The City of Vlora constitutes 55% of the sample; women were 75%, and aged 30± 11.5 years. Regarding the comparison of the studies before and after the education, it turned out that after the health education on healthy nutrition, the percentage of all food groups increased consumption of: 4 meals from 19% to 36%; breakfast every day from 50% to 90%; dinner every day from 43% to 66%; homemade food 7 or more servings per week from 45% to 56%; 3 servings of fruit per day from 13% to 15%; 2 servings of vegetables per day from 17% to 28%; drink water or liquids 4 or more glasses per day from 46% to 60%. The consumption of meat, fish, eggs, dairy products and cereals has also increased. Conclusions: Health education on healthy nutrition has had a positive impact on improving knowledge and food habits in the community for a short period of time.

Malnutrition, in all its forms, is a global problem and continues to be one of the greatest challenges facing our generation. ‘MUST’ is a five-step screening tool to identify adults, who are malnourished, at risk of malnutrition (undernutrition), or obese. Purpose: Evaluation of BMI, malnutrition and percentage of weight loss in the city of Vlora, Albania. Methodology: This is an exploratory study, carried out in the city of Vlora during May 20 - June 20, 2020, using the ‘MUST’ since data such as: height, weight and weight before 3-6 months, was obtained through the AFQPHALS Survey (Adult Food Quality and Physical Activity Level Survey), which was distributed online on social networks during May 17- 27, 2020 and completed by 545 adult subjects 18 years and older, including some Albanian cities with the predominance of the city of Vlora. Results & conclusions: Vlora constitute 55% part of the study sample; women 75%; with higher education 45% and master's degree 29%; full-time employees 38% and students 35%; 24% overweight, 9% obesity and 8% underweight; 73% has low risk, 16% has medium risk and 11% has high risk for malnutrition; 73% has not lost weight (0%). The high risk for malnutrition prevails in gender female, at higher education and master's level in students and full-time employees. Recommendations: Recognition and use of the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool by the community, that is a free tool, easy and accessible for all to know and reduce malnutrition.

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