Nutrition as an essential element in the prevention and treatment of health pathologies

By MSc. Adelina MUHAMETAJ

Abstract
The aim of this study is to analyze the impact of nutrition on the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases among the adult Albanian population. The study included 100 individuals aged 35–85, randomly selected from two health centers, one urban and one rural, in the Durrës region. The methodology used was cross-sectional and descriptive, combining physical examination with a structured self-administered questionnaire. The results showed that 27% of women were underweight, while the majority of the population had unhealthy eating habits, with high consumption of sugars, fried foods, alcohol, and tobacco. A significant correlation was identified between nutritional status, socio-demographic factors, and the occurrence of chronic pathologies. The study concludes that malnutrition continues to be an important determinant of health risk in Albania. It recommends structured interventions for nutritional education, the promotion of balanced diets, and strengthening the role of primary care in prevention.