Impact of COVID-19 on adolescent mental health in Albania

Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly disrupted adolescent mental health worldwide. Yet, the extent and sociodemographic distribution of self-perceived psychological impact of COVID-19 among adolescents in transitional postcommunist countries of the Western Balkans has not been systematically reported. This study aims to assess the magnitude and sociodemographic correlates of self-perceived mental health impact of COVID-19 among adolescents in Albania. Design/methodology/approach This was a school-based cross-sectional study conducted in Albania in 2022, including a nationwide representative sample of 5,454 adolescents aged 11–15 years (around 52% girls; overall response rate: 96%). Data on self-perceived mental health impact of COVID-19 and sociodemographic characteristics were collected. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the association of COVID-19’s mental health impact with adolescents’ sociodemographic factors. Findings About 35% of Albanian adolescents reported negative or very negative COVID-19’s mental health impact (37% in girls vs 33% in boys, p < 0.01). Irrespective of the other sociodemographic characteristics, girls and older adolescents were significantly more likely to perceive negative mental health impact of COVID-19. Conversely, no associations were evident for place of residence (urban/rural), parental employment or family affluence. Originality/value This study evidenced a substantial mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic perceived among Albanian adolescents, with female gender and older age emerging as independent correlates of negative appraisal. The findings emphasize the need for targeted mental health strategies and the importance of integrating psychosocial support into broader public health responses in transitional settings.