Smoking in Albania

Roland Shuperka, a tobacco protection policy expert, notes that Albania faces significant challenges in reaching this objective.

The survey also highlighted that smoking was more prevalent among men with lower educational achievements and showed no consistent association with employment or income.

This prevalence is similar to that in other Western societies, indicating that tobacco-related health issues may significantly increase in the future.

The study identified significant predictors of smoking, including male gender, enrollment in private schools, class skipping, poor academic performance, easy access to cigarettes, and parental unawareness of students' weekend activities.

[8] The notably high prevalence of smoking among young women in Albania is a trend frequently observed in post-communist countries.

[6] Albania's tobacco control framework encompasses a range of measures aimed at reducing smoking rates and mitigating health risks.

This comprehensive approach includes smoke-free environments, advertising restrictions, health warnings, cessation support, and taxation.

The 2001 law initially banned tobacco advertising on TV, radio, print media, and billboards, though enforcement was weak.

Specifically, for every 1 Albanian Lek increase in cigarette prices, smoking experimentation is expected to decrease by approximately 1.2%.

[10] In terms of smoking cessation support, resources are available at some health clinics and primary care facilities, but the lack of a toll-free quit line and nicotine replacement therapies limits their reach and effectiveness.

[9] The implementation of gender-sensitive interventions tailored to specific demographic groups, such as targeting lower-income men and educated, higher-income women differently, have been suggested to enhance the effectiveness of Albania's tobacco control policies.