Access to healthcare services is an essential component of promoting public health and sustainable development. Our aim was to assess socio-demographic correlates of barriers to accessing healthcare services among children in Albania, a post-communist country in Europe. An online survey was conducted in September 2022, including a nationwide representative sample of 7831 school children (≈54% girls) ranging from grades six to nine from all regions of Albania. A structured and anonymous questionnaire was administered to all children inquiring about a range of potential barriers to accessing healthcare services. Overall, about 42% of the children reported that they had barriers to accessing healthcare services. There were no gender differences, but there were significant ethnic differences (51% among Roma/Egyptian children vs. 42% among the general sample of the children); urban/rural differences (46% rural vs. 39% urban); and socio-economic differences (52% among children with a lower maternal education vs. 31% among children with a higher maternal education; 66% among children from poor families vs. 35% among children with a higher family income). In transitional Albania, children residing in rural areas, children from Roma and/or Egyptian communities, and especially those pertinent to low socio-economic families report considerably more barriers to accessing healthcare services, which is a cause of concern.

Introduction: The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into higher education is swiftly revolutionizing pedagogical methodologies, in conjunction with learning processes and research paradigms. The interdisciplinary potential of AI within academic settings was examined in this study, employing a case study conducted at the University of Tirana. Through the utilization of bibliometric analysis and survey-based research, this study comprehensively investigates the swiftly emerging trends in AI applications, students' significant familiarity with AI technologies, as well as the substantial challenges impeding broader adoption. The bibliometric analysis highlights significant exponential growth in AI research, particularly within pivotal domains such as finance and accounting, thereby emphasizing the swiftly increasing relevance of blockchain and automation. The survey indicates a robust enthusiasm among students for AI in educational settings. More than 90 percent of students actively incorporate AI tools in their project work. Nonetheless, resource limitations and ethical considerations, including privacy, data security, and algorithmic bias, pose considerable challenges to the widespread adoption of AI, despite the prevailing enthusiasm. Objective: The aim of this research is to examine the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the realm of higher education. This analysis concentrates on the applications, advantages, and challenges associated with AI, with the intent of advancing interdisciplinary research and educational methodologies at the University of Tirana. Theoretical Framework: This research expands upon the principles of AI adoption within the educational sector, alongside an examination of ethical considerations and multidisciplinary collaboration. Theories pertaining to technological integration and adaptive learning systems serve as the foundational framework for comprehending the implications of AI in the realm of education. Method: The methodology employs bibliometric analysis to examine AI-related research trends utilizing data from SCOPUS and conducts a survey to assess students' familiarity with and perceptions of AI. Data collection was facilitated through bibliometric instruments and an online survey incorporating Likert-scale and open-ended questions. Results and Discussion: The results underscore an increased focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain within scholarly research, wherein students exhibit considerable engagement and interest in AI applications. Nevertheless, limitations in resources and ethical issues, including privacy and bias, persist as primary challenges. The discourse underscores the imperative for investment in infrastructure and the incorporation of ethical education. Research Implications: This research highlights the imperative for higher education institutions to integrate artificial intelligence tools, cultivate adaptive curricula, and address ethical considerations in order to adequately prepare students for a future shaped by AI. The implications of these findings also pertain to educational policy and the formulation of interdisciplinary research strategies. Originality/Value: The study contributes by delivering a comprehensive bibliometric analysis and gives insights into student engagement with artificial intelligence. Its significance resides in presenting actionable recommendations to enhance the integration of artificial intelligence in higher education.

Access to healthcare services is an essential component of promoting public health and sustainable development. Our aim was to assess socio-demographic correlates of barriers to access healthcare services among children in Albania, a post-communist country in Europe. An online survey was conducted in September 2022, including a nationwide representative sample of 7831 schoolchildren (≈54% girls) pertinent to grades 6-9 from all regions of Albania. A structured and anonymous questionnaire was administered to all children inquiring about a range of potential barriers to access healthcare services. Overall, about 42% of the children reported that they had barriers to access healthcare services. There were no gender differences, but significant: ethnic differences (51% among Roma/Egyptian children vs. 42% among the general sample of the children); urban/rural differences (46% rural vs. 39% urban); and socioeconomic differences (52% among children with a lower maternal education vs. 31% among children with a higher maternal education; 66% among children from poor families vs. 35% among children with a higher family income). In transitional Albania, children residing in rural areas, children from Roma and/or Egyptian communities and especially those pertinent to low socioeconomic families report considerably more barriers to access healthcare services, which is a cause of concern.