Exploring the protective effects of botanical antioxidants against UV-induced skin damage
The concept of systemic photoprotection through dietary means is gaining attention. The skin is continu- ously exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, a primary cause of skin disorders such as sunburn, photodam- age, and nonmelanoma skin cancer. Solar UV radiation initiates photo-oxidative reactions that impair antioxidant defenses and increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the skin. When ROS generation overwhelms the skin’s antioxidant capacity, the ability to counteract damage is compromised. Excessive UV exposure, particularly UVB, leads to skin disorders including erythema, edema, inflammation, hyper- pigmentation, immunosuppression, skin cancers, and photoaging. To mitigate these effects, antioxidants can be administered through dietary sources, a process known as photochemoprevention. This study employed observational approaches to evaluate the protective effects of selected botanical antioxidants against UV-induced skin damage in individuals with varying dietary habits.
The ethics of communication with patients: A qualitative analysis of transparency and information
Introduction: Effective communication between healthcare professionals and patients is an essential component of person-centred care and has a direct impact on the quality of care, patient experience, and health outcomes. This material addresses how the communication style of healthcare professionals and their perceptions of patients can influence patient engagement, satisfaction, and adherence to treatment. Patient-centred communication models significantly enhance healthcare professionals–patient interaction and contribute to improved physical and psychological outcomes. This is especially important in mental healthcare, where verbal communication is often the primary means of diagnosis and treatment, making the establishment of a shared understanding with the patient crucial.
Objective: This study explores the importance of effective communication between healthcare profes-sionals and patients by exploring how communication styles and healthcare professionals’ perceptions influence patient engagement, satisfaction, and adherence to treatment, with the ultimate goal of enhanc-ing health outcomes and promoting a person-centred approach, particularly in mental health care settings.
Methodology: This study employed the method of literature review as a qualitative approach to collect, analyze, and interpret existing data. Both national and international sources were examined, including scholarly articles, academic publications, institutional reports, and health policy documents. The aim of this methodology was to provide a clear theoretical and practical framework on the topic and to identify best practices and challenges within the relevant field. The selection of literature was purposeful, focusing on reliable and relevant sources aligned with the study’s objectives.
Conclusions: Effective communication between healthcare professionals and patients plays a fundamen-tal role in improving the quality of care and health outcomes. The communication style and attitudes of healthcare professionals significantly influence patient engagement, satisfaction, and adherence to treatment. Emphasizing a person-centred approach strengthens the therapeutic alliance and is especially critical in mental health care, where communication is often the primary tool for both diagnosis and inter-vention. Investing in the development of communication competencies among healthcare professionals is essential to delivering compassionate, individualized, and effective care.
Substance use among Albanian youth: Health consequences, knowledge, and social perceptions
Introduction: The use of psychoactive substances among young people is an increasing challenge in Albania, with serious impacts on their physical, mental, and social well-being. This study aims to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and practical experiences of young people related to drug use, as well as the contributing factors and possible consequences in their personal and academic lives. Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the level of knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and practices of young people in Tirana regarding drug use, and to identify the factors contributing to its use and the effects on mental, physical health, and social/professional life.
Methodology
This study was conducted using a quantitative research method through the collection of data via a structured questionnaire. Participants were selected through random sampling, including young people from various cities in Albania. Data was collected from 517 young individuals aged 18–25 in the city of Tirana. The data were statistically analyzed to identify key trends and correlations between various fac-tors. Data collection was carried out online (anonymously), using the Google Forms platform to ensure quick and efficient information gathering.
Conclusions
The results revealed a significant lack of knowledge about the real risks of drug use, especially concern-ing the most widespread substances such as cannabis. A considerable portion of young people expressed tolerant attitudes toward drug use, influenced by peer pressure, curiosity, and emotional stress. The findings highlight direct impacts on mental health, including symptoms of anxiety, depression, and dete-rioration in sleep and concentration. The social and academic effects include social isolation, decreased academic performance, and strained family relationships. In conclusion, the study emphasizes the need for comprehensive educational interventions, prevention strategies, and psycho-social support for young people in Albania in order to reduce the long-term impact of this phenomenon.
Pharmacogenetics and personalized treatment in chronic congenital anemias: Integrated perspectives and a systematic review
Objective: This comprehensive article explores the emerging role of pharmacogenetics in optimizing treatment for chronic congenital anemias, including β-thalassemia, sickle cell disease (SCD), and rare erythropoietic disorders. It integrates a systematic review with an in-depth clinical analysis of personal-ized medicine strategies.
Methods: A systematic literature review (2015 - 2024) was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, following PRISMA guidelines.
Results: Genetic profiling significantly improves drug selection, dosing, and toxicity management in
congenital anemias.
Conclusion: Pharmacogenetics supports a transformative shift toward personalized therapy in hema-tology by improving efficacy, reducing adverse effects, and enabling the integration of novel targeted treatments.
Stress and depression among nurses: Impact on quality of life in Tirana’s hospital centers
Introduction:
The mental health of healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, is an increasingly important issue in modern healthcare systems. Daily exposure to stressful situations, multiple responsibilities, and emotion-al burdens significantly affect the mental well-being of these professionals. However, in many cases, their psychological needs remain underestimated, impacting not only their personal quality of life but also the effectiveness of patient care.
Objective:
The aim of this study is to assess the impact of stress and depression on the quality of life of nursing staff in hospital centers in the city of Tirana. Through a questionnaire distributed across five hospital centers, the study aims to identify the levels of stress and depression, and their correlation with the physical, emotional, and social dimensions of quality of life.
Methodology:
The research method is based on data collection using standardized questionnaires: the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) for stress, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) for depression, and the WHOQOL-BREF for quality of life. Data collection was conducted between February 2025 and May 2025 (over a four-month period). The questionnaire was completed via the Google Forms platform. Responses were gath-ered from 410 nursing staff members working in hospital centers in the city of Tirana.
Conclusions:
The findings of this study demonstrate a strong correlation between high levels of stress and depressive symptoms with a significant reduction in quality of life among nursing staff. The negative effects of these psychological phenomena manifest as persistent fatigue, deterioration of interpersonal relation-ships, and a noticeable decline in professional performance, which directly affects the quality of care provided to patients. The study highlights the need for structured interventions such as psychological support, improved working conditions, and early identification of symptoms, in order to maintain men-tal health and improve the quality of healthcare services.
Students’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding metabolic syndrome: An in-depth summary
Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a growing public health challenge worldwide, characterized by a cluster of metabolic risk factors that increase the likelihood of cardiovascular disease and diabetes [1][2]. This study explores the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and beliefs (KAPB) of university students in Albania regarding MetS, with a focus on obesity, hypertension, and lipid disorders. Given the limited data on young populations in Albania [15], assessing students’ awareness is critical since they represent future healthcare professionals and potential agents of preventive change.
Mental health in old age: Challenges, nursing management, and possibilities for improvement in the Albanian healthcare system
Mental health problems among older adults in Albania are increasing due to population aging, social isolation, limited services, and under-resourced healthcare; this narrative review summarizes common conditions such as depression, dementia, and anxiety, discusses contributing factors, and emphasizes the central role of nurses in early detection, coordinated care, and family support, while proposing system-level recommendations to strengthen training, community services, and integrated policies for elderly mental health.
Epidemiologjia e covid-19 në Shqipëri
Përmbledhje
Koronaviruset janë patogjenë të rëndësishëm në njerëz dhe kafshë. Në Dhjetor 2019, pneumonia me shkak të panjohur ndodhi në Wuhan, Provinca Hubei, Kinë. Më 7 janar 2020, një koronavirus i ri, i quajtur si sindromë e rëndë akute e frymëmarrjes coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), u identifikua në mostrën e shtupës së fytit të një pacienti. Organizata Botërore e Shëndetësisë (OBSH) njoftoi sëmundjen epidemike të shkaktuar nga SARS-CoV-2 si sëmundje koronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). Aktualisht, COVID-19 është përhapur gjerësisht në botë, duke prekur më shumë se shtatëdhjetë vende. Kina, me një barrë të madhe të kësaj sëmundjeje, ka marrë masa të forta për të kontrolluar përhapjen dhe për të përmirësuar shkallën kurative të COVID-19.
Qëllimi: Vlerësimi i situatës epidemiologjike Sars Cov2 në Shqipëri.
Metodologjia: Investigim deskriptiv bazuar në raportimet ditore dhe mujore nga Ministria e Shëndetësisë dhe Mbrojtjes Sociale. Investigimi ka konsistuar në vlerësimin e niveleve të incidencës në nivel vëndi gjatë periudhës Mars-Shtator, nivelet e incidencës sipas rajoneve si dhe vlerësimin e nivelit të vdekshmërisë si pasojë e infektimeve me virusin COVID-19.
Rezultate dhe diskutime: Numër i ulët testimesh – mangësi në gjurmimin e rastit; Mos zbatim i protokolleve nga popullata pas heqjes së karantinës; R ritja e niveleve të inci dencës me heqjen e kufizimeve (Qershor/2020 e në vazhdim) Nivel i lartë i vdekshmërisë por më i ulët krahasuar me vëndet e rajonit.