Country
Work Package 1
11) Albania Demographic and Health Survey 2017–18
The Albania Demographic and Health Survey (ADHS) 2017–18 is a nationally representative, cross-sectional household survey conducted through the global Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) Program. It provides comprehensive data on demographic characteristics, health, and nutrition to inform national health policies and programmes. Fieldwork was carried out between 11 September 2017 and 20 February 2018 by the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT) in collaboration with the Institute of Public Health (IPH) and the DHS Program.
Albania, with national coverage stratified by urban and rural areas and by each of the 12 prefectures.
Type of Study
Cross-sectional, nationally representative household survey.
Data Collection
The survey employed a two-stage stratified cluster sampling design. In the first stage, Enumeration Areas (EAs) were selected with probability proportional to size within each stratum defined by prefecture and urban/rural residence. In the second stage, households were systematically selected from updated EA listings. Data were collected with standardized DHS questionnaires through face-to-face interviews conducted by trained interviewers. All eligible women aged 15–59 years were interviewed, while men aged 15–59 years were interviewed in approximately half of the sampled households.
Sample Size
Approximately 17,160 households were selected, of which 15,823 were successfully interviewed. Key respondent groups included 10,860 women aged 15–49 years, 4,140 women aged 50–59 years, and 6,142 men aged 15–59 years.
Sample Size Characteristics
The survey includes both male and female participants across a broad adult age range (15–59 years), as well as data on children under five and their mothers. The sample is representative at the national level, as well as by urban/rural residence and prefecture. It includes both de jure (usual residents) and de facto (individuals present at the time of the survey) populations, in line with DHS methodology.
Measurement of Mental Health
Mental health is assessed through a limited set of self-reported items related to depression. These include:
- “In the past two weeks, did you feel depressed to the point that you didn’t feel like doing the things you usually do?”
- “Have you ever been told by a doctor or other health professional that you have depression?”
- “Has a doctor or other health professional ever prescribed you medication for depression?”
These items provide basic indicators of depressive symptoms and diagnosis but do not constitute a full clinical assessment or validated scale.
Cohort Profile Available
No. The ADHS 2017–18 is a cross-sectional survey, and no longitudinal cohort profile is available.
Key Publications
The primary publication is the official report: Albania Demographic and Health Survey 2017–18, which includes detailed descriptive statistics and tables, including those related to depression.
Open Access
Yes. Anonymized microdata, including variables related to mental health, are available through The DHS Program upon registration and approval. Survey documentation, questionnaires, and reports are also publicly accessible.
Contact For Collaboration and Possible Access
- Institute of Statistics (INSTAT), Albania – https://www.instat.gov.al
- Institute of Public Health (ISHP), Tirana, Albania
- The DHS Program / ICF – https://dhsprogram.com