Izvorni znanstveni članak
https://doi.org/10.3325/cmj.2025.66.125
Association of behavioral characteristics and mental health indices in a large nationwide representative sample of schoolchildren aged 11-15 years in Albania
Iris Mone
; Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine, Tirana, Albania
Alketa Qosja
; Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine, Tirana, Albania
Gentiana Qirjako
; Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine, Tirana, Albania
Rudina Çumashi
; Department of International Health, CAPHRI (Care and Public Health Research Institute), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
Enver Roshi
; Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine, Tirana, Albania
Genc Burazeri
; Department of International Health, CAPHRI (Care and Public Health Research Institute), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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* Dopisni autor.
Sažetak
Aim To assess the independent associations of behavioral
factors with many mental health indices among children
in Albania.
Methods This cross-sectional study carried out in Albania
in 2022 included a nationwide representative sample of
5454 schoolchildren aged 11, 13, and 15 years (52% girls;
response rate: 96%). Data on ten mental health indices
were collected, in addition to behavioral characteristics
and sociodemographic factors. A general linear model was
used to assess the independent associations of behavioral
factors with mental health indices.
Results Irrespective of sociodemographic characteristics,
the scores of all mental health indices were significantly
worse among schoolchildren who reported lifetime smok
ing and alcohol consumption, those who engaged less fre
quently in physical activity, those who skipped breakfast
at least on one weekday, and those who consumed fresh
fruit less than daily compared with their counterparts who
were, respectively, never smokers, had never drunk alco
hol, were more physically active, consumed breakfast regu
larly, and consumed fresh fruit daily.
Conclusions Irrespective of sociodemographic bound
aries, this study showed significant associations between
behavioral characteristics and the mental health of Alba
nian schoolchildren. This highlights the importance of pro
moting healthy behaviors among children to mitigate the
risk of mental health challenges. Interventions aimed at
encouraging regular physical activity, consistent breakfast
consumption, and daily intake of fresh fruit may enhance
the mental resilience of school-aged children.
Ključne riječi
Hrčak ID:
352479
URI
Datum izdavanja:
23.4.2025.
Posjeta: 0 *