ADOLESCENCE AND AGE-RELATED PROBLEMS: A NURSING PERSPECTIVE ON HEALTH CHALLENGES AND INTERVENTIONS

Background: Adolescence is a dynamic transitional stage characterized by significant physical, emotional, and psychosocial changes. These transitions often lead to unique health challenges that require a multidisciplinary response. In Albania, adolescent health services remain limited, with a particularly underdeveloped role for nurses in addressing these challenges. Objectives: This paper aims to: identify the most prevalent adolescent health problems in Albania; assess current nursing and public health interventions; compare Albania's response to European and global models; and propose context-specific improvements in nursing practice. Methods: This study employed a narrative literature review approach to explore the key health challenges faced by adolescents in Albania and to assess the role of nursing interventions in addressing these challenges. Given the limited availability of recent empirical studies specific to the Albanian context, the review included literature and reports published between 2009 and 2023 to ensure both historical context and recent developments were captured. Results: Adolescents in Albania face multifaceted health challenges, including early puberty, limited mental health access, risky behaviors (tobacco, alcohol, and digital dependency), and unmet sexual and reproductive health needs. Rural-urban disparities further exacerbate access to services. Data from ADHS, WHO, and UNICEF highlight serious gaps in adolescent-centered care, particularly in health education, mental health outreach, and reproductive health services. Nursing interventions are fragmented and underutilized.