Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 11(4), pp. 510 - 525
DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2023.110417
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Perception of Nutrigenomics & Nutrigenetics among Albanian Young Adults

Enkeleda Berberi ^1,*, Ilir Lloha ¹, Ervin Shishmani ¹, Arta Hallaci ^2
1 Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food, Agricultural University of Tirana, Albania
² Office for Consumer Protection, Municipality of Kukes, Albania

ABSTRACT

According to World Health Organization, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) represent a significant health concern in Albania and account for 94% of the deaths of population in 2022, hence, their prevention and control are one of the main goals of the Health System and Government Strategic Health Program in Albania. This study aims to explore the perspective of educated young adults on nutrigenomics and also to analyze some of the factors that will influence the decision making to undergo a genetic test for personalized nutrition or not. The data presented in this study were extracted from a cross-sectional survey that was conducted through a questionnaire. The participants in the study were undergraduate and graduate students at the Agricultural University of Tirana. Before submitting the questionnaire, the heads of the departments were informed, and permission was requested for the questionnaires to be distributed during the lecture hours in order to obtain a larger sample. Furthermore, before handing out the questionnaire, students were informed about the aim of the study and their right to decline participation. Questionnaires were codified with cardinal numbers and then grouped based on the students' major. A total of 848 students with different educational backgrounds completed the questionnaire from April to July 2019. Our findings suggest that there are statistically no sex-based differences between participants and the information they possess on nutrigenomics or personalized genetic tests (one way ANOVA, F_(1,845)=0.254, р=0.614). However, we found a statistically significant difference in the means of the student's educational background and their perception toward nutrigenomics and personalized genetic tests. There is a significant difference in the means of the student's major and their perception that nutrigenomics science or personalized genetic tests are going to improve people's lifestyle (F_(7,840)= 34.980, р<0.001). The majority of the participants (46%) considered family history diseases as the main factor that will influence the decision to undertake a personalized genetic test. Studies that consider more inclusive samples and a wider range of factors are necessary in the near future for a smoother implementation of personalized genetic test in the public health sector in Albania.

KEYWORDS
Nutrigenomics, Nutrigenetics, Healthy Dietary, Non-communicable Diseases, Statistical Analyses

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Enkeleda Berberi , Ilir Lloha , Ervin Shishmani , Arta Hallaci , "Perception of Nutrigenomics & Nutrigenetics among Albanian Young Adults," Universal Journal of Public Health, Vol. 11, No. 4, pp. 510 - 525, 2023. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2023.110417.

(b). APA Format:
Enkeleda Berberi , Ilir Lloha , Ervin Shishmani , Arta Hallaci (2023). Perception of Nutrigenomics & Nutrigenetics among Albanian Young Adults. Universal Journal of Public Health, 11(4), 510 - 525. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2023.110417.