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.
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.