Prevalence and factors associated with congenital malformations in tirana, Albania, during 2011-2013.

AIM: Congenital Malformations (CMs) represent a challenge especially for developing countries. Data about CMs in Albania are rather scarce. In this context, our aim was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with CMs in Tirana, the capital of Albania. METHODS: Information on all CMs at birth during 2011-2013 was retrieved from the National CM Surveillance System. For each CM case, three controls (babies born without CM) were retrieved as well. Overall, 831 cases and 2522 controls were included in this study. The prevalence was calculated using the total number of live births in Tirana during the same period. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with CMs adjusting for a number of covariates. RESULTS: The three-year prevalence of CMs was 23.41 per 1,000 live births. The most affected body systems were the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and genital systems. CMs were more prevalent among male babies. Advanced mothers' age, lower education, unemployment status and lower gestational age were all positively associated with increased likelihood of CMs. CONCLUSIONS: Socio-demographic factors of mothers are linked to CMs in Albania. Future surveys are needed in Albania in order to establish determinants of CMs at a national level.

Breast cancer screening in Albania during 2007-2008.

AIM: Our aim was to assess the prevalence of breast cancer among women who showed up and participated in the breast cancer screening program during October 2007-October 2008 in Tirana, the Albanian capital city. METHODS: A breast cancer prevention and treatment campaign was undertaken in Tirana, Albania, in 2007 which included also mammography examination for the early detection of breast cancer. All women residing in Tirana municipality were invited to undergo a mammography examination free of charge. RESULTS: A total number of 5224 women underwent mammography examination during October 2007 - October 2008 time period in Tirana. The highest number of mammography tests were performed in October 2008 (1284 tests), followed by June 2008 with 746 mammography examinations realized. In general, the prevalence of breast cancer positive mammography readings where higher among women older than 60 years, followed by the 51-60 and 41-50 years age-groups. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that, among 5224 examined women during a one-year period, 1.9% had a positive reading in mammography. This is one of the few reports large-scale breast cancer screening in Albania. The increasing of breast cancer rates necessitates implementation of multi-directional programs to prevent, early diagnose and control this condition in Albanian women.