Prevalence and Sociodemographic Correlates of Nutritional Habits Among Schoolchildren Aged 11-15 Years in Albania

Objective: Healthy nutritional habits during childhood promote healthy growth and development and foster psycho-emotional wellbeing. Our aim was to assess the prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of selected nutritional habits among Albanian schoolchildren. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Albania in 2022, in the framework of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children survey, including a nationwide representative sample of 5,454 schoolchildren aged 11-15 years (≈52% girls; ≈96% response). Data on nutritional habits were gathered, along with the children's sociodemographic factors. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the associations of nutritional habits with sociodemographic factors. Results: In multivariable-adjusted analysis, the odds of daily breakfast consumption on weekdays were significantly higher among males (OR=1.3, 95%CI=1.2-1.5), younger children (OR=2.7, 95%CI=2.4-3.2) and those from more affluent families (OR=1.2, 95%CI=1.1-1.4). Conversely, the odds of daily consumption of fruits and/or vegetables were lower among males (OR=0.8, 95%CI=0.7-0.9 and OR=0.7, 95%CI=0.6-0.7, respectively), but higher in younger children (OR=1.5, 95%CI=1.3-1.8 and OR=1.4, 95%CI=1.2-1.6, respectively) and those from wealthier families (OR=1.3, 95%CI=1.2-1.5 and OR=1.2, 95%CI=1.0-1.3, respectively). Additionally, the odds of daily consumption of sweets were lower among males (OR=0.7, 95%CI=0.6-0.8) and younger children (OR=0.5, 95%CI=0.5-0.6). Also, the odds of daily consumption of sugary soft drinks were lower in younger children (OR=0.6, 95%CI=0.5-0.6) and urban residents (OR=0.8, 95%CI=0.7-0.9). Conclusions: Our findings provide useful insights into the complex interplay of sociodemographic characteristics in shaping nutritional practices of children. There is a need for targeted nutritional interventions based on the specific sociodemographic backgrounds of children in Albania and elsewhere, ultimately supporting healthier nutritional habits.