The Role of Health Education in Healthy Eating Habits During the Quarantine from the COVID-19 Pandemic in Albania

Abstract

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.