Prevalence of child maltreatment in Albania

Background: Child maltreatment is a global issue that significantly impacts children's lives. In 2018, 32% of 15-year-olds in Albania reported experiencing physical abuse. Aim: To assess the prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of child abuse and neglect in Albania. Methods: This was the 2022 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children nationwide survey in Albania conducted among 1877 schoolchildren (55% girls) aged 15 years. We collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, emotional neglect, and exposure to domestic violence. We analysed the data using SPSS version 19.0 and used binary logistic regression to assess associations between child abuse, neglect and sociodemographic characteristics. Results: Lifetime prevalence rates were 33.1% for physical abuse, 16.2% for emotional abuse, 3.7% for sexual abuse, 15.7% for emotional neglect, and 7.0% for witness to domestic violence. Children living in urban areas had higher odds of experiencing physical or emotional abuse (OR = 1.4 and 1.6, 95% CI = 1.1-1.7 and 1.2-2.2). Girls had higher odds of experiencing emotional abuse (OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.4-2.4) or emotional neglect (OR = 3.4, 95% CI = 2.5-4.6). Girls and children from less affluent families had lower odds of experiencing sexual abuse (OR = 0.6, 95% CI = 0.3-0.9; OR = 0.5, 95% CI = 0.3-0.8, respectively). Children whose fathers were unemployed had higher odds of witnessing domestic violence (OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.1-3.2). Conclusion: Abuse and neglect are highly prevalent among Albanian children aged 15 years, raising concerns over their future wellbeing. Action is needed by professionals and caregivers and at policy level to mitigate the negative impact and promote children's protection and well-being in the country.