Bianka Hoxha

@unizkm.al

Department of Chemical Pharmaceutical and Biomolecular Technologies
Catholic University Our Lady of Good Counsel

Bianka Hoxha


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https://researchid.co/biankahoxha

RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS

Biochemistry, Clinical Biochemistry, Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health, Pharmacy
4

Scopus Publications

124

Scholar Citations

4

Scholar h-index

1

Scholar i10-index

Scopus Publications

  • Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Towards HPV Vaccination among Albanian Women: An Effort to Improve HPV Vaccine Acceptance
    Eftiola Pojani, Silvi Bozo, Bianka Hoxha
    Open Public Health Journal, 2025
    Introduction Cervical cancer is among the most common cancers affecting women worldwide. Despite efforts to reduce its incidence, it remains the fifth most frequent cancer among women in Albania. In November 2022, Albania included the quadrivalent HPV vaccine in the National Immunization Program, targeting 13-year-old young women. Therefore, this study aims to assess HPV vaccine awareness among Albanian women and to delineate deficiencies in knowledge, accessibility, and attitudes within populations at higher risk of HPV exposure. Methods This cross-sectional study, conducted from September to December 2024, surveyed 398 Albanian women using a convenience sampling method. The questionnaire was pilot-tested for clarity and included sections covering socio-demographic information, HPV vaccination practices, and awareness of preventive health measures. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Knowledge about HPV vaccination practices varied significantly by age, education, marital and employment status. Married participants (67.3%), those employed in the healthcare sector (87.5%), and urban residents (68.2%) were significantly more informed about the intended recipients of the HPV vaccine (p = 0.045, p = 0.003, p < 0.001, respectively). Additionally, 46.5% of participants would consider getting vaccinated with age (p = 0.007) and education level (p = 0.002) emerging as significant determinants. Discussion The study demonstrated moderate awareness and vaccine acceptance among Albanian women following the recent introduction of the HPV vaccine. Consistent with global findings, education level was observed to influence attitudes significantly. Future targeted research that overcomes potential limitations, such as online sampling bias, is needed to address vaccine hesitancy and socio-cultural barriers. Conclusions The HPV vaccine acceptance rate requires improvement, as more than one-third of participants remain undecided about receiving the vaccine. The study highlights the necessity of targeted educational interventions and comprehensive strategies to enhance HPV vaccine acceptance and coverage. In the Albanian context, achieving the World Health Organization’s goal of 90% immunization among adolescent girls by 2030 may require addressing specific socioeconomic barriers and increasing healthcare providers’ involvement.
  • Cervical Cancer and HPV vaccination: Insights into knowledge, attitudes, and practices among Albanian women
    Eftiola Pojani, Silvi Bozo, Elena Capparelli, Bianka Hoxha
    Vaccine X, 2025
    Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a widespread skin-to-skin transmitted infection that poses a global health concern. Although Albania faced prior challenges, it has recently introduced a quadrivalent recombinant HPV vaccine, a critical step in preventing cervical cancer among young women. This study aims to identify potential gaps in knowledge and attitudes among Albanian women regarding cervical cancer and HPV infection, as well as provide insights into the effectiveness of the national primary prevention program. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 473 Albanian women using an anonymous online questionnaire to collect sociodemographic information, awareness on HPV infection and cervical cancer, and HPV vaccination practices. The association between sociodemographic variables and outcome measures was explored using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests in SPSS. Most of the participants fell within the age range of 18 to 30 years old (42.1 %). 71.7 % of the respondents lived in urban areas. According to the study findings, a considerable proportion of the participants demonstrated knowledge of cervical cancer, with 66.6 % correctly identifying HPV infection as a major cause of this disease. Additionally, the study uncovered that a substantial number of participants had an acceptable awareness (59.6 %) about the HPV vaccine. Nevertheless, 48.4 % of the participants expressed concerns about the vaccine's efficacy and safety. The study reveals knowledge gaps and misconceptions about HPV transmission, hereditary aspects, and its connection to various cancers. While a positive attitude towards preventive measures exists, concerns about HPV vaccination safety and efficacy underscore the need for targeted education campaigns to enhance awareness and accessibility, addressing misconceptions and promoting informed decision-making for effective cervical cancer prevention. • Introduction of HPV vaccine in Albania and the impact of HPV Vaccination Program as a pivotal step in cervical cancer prevention. • Addressing Knowledge and Attitude Gaps among Albanian women concerning cervical cancer and HPV infection. • Cultural and Socio-Demographic Factors are crucial for the success of HPV immunization efforts in Albania. • Concerns about HPV vaccination safety and efficacy highlight the need the need for targeted educational initiatives to improve public awareness.
  • Folic acid and autism: A systematic review of the current state of knowledge
    Bianka Hoxha, Malvina Hoxha, Elisa Domi, Jacopo Gervasoni, Silvia Persichilli, Visar Malaj, Bruno Zappacosta
    Cells, 2021
    Folic acid has been identified to be integral in rapid tissue growth and cell division during fetal development. Different studies indicate folic acid’s importance in improving childhood behavioral outcomes and underline its role as a modifiable risk factor for autism spectrum disorders. The aim of this systematic review is to both elucidate the potential role of folic acid in autism spectrum disorders and to investigate the mechanisms involved. Studies have pointed out a potential beneficial effect of prenatal folic acid maternal supplementation (600 µg) on the risk of autism spectrum disorder onset, but opposite results have been reported as well. Folic acid and/or folinic acid supplementation in autism spectrum disorder diagnosed children has led to improvements, both in some neurologic and behavioral symptoms and in the concentration of one-carbon metabolites. Several authors report an increased frequency of serum auto-antibodies against folate receptor alpha (FRAA) in autism spectrum disorder children. Furthermore, methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphisms showed a significant influence on ASD risk. More clinical trials, with a clear study design, with larger sample sizes and longer observation periods are necessary to be carried out to better evaluate the potential protective role of folic acid in autism spectrum disorder risk.
  • The interaction between arachidonic acid metabolism and homocysteine
    Elisa Domi, Malvina Hoxha, Bianka Hoxha, Bruno Zappacosta
    Endocrine Metabolic and Immune Disorders Drug Targets, 2021
    Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) has been considered a risk factor for different diseases, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), inflammation, neurological diseases, cancer, and many other pathological conditions. Likewise, arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism is implicated in both vascular homeostasis and inflammation, as shown by the development of CVD, following the imbalance of its metabolites. This review summarizes how homocysteine (Hcy) can influence the metabolism of AA. In silico literature searches were performed on PubMed and Scopus as main sources. Several studies have shown that altered levels of Hcy, through AA release and metabolism, can influence the synthesis and the activity of prostaglandins (PGs), prostacyclin (PGI2), thromboxane (TXA), epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs). It is believed that by targeting Hcy in the AA pathways, novel compounds with better pharmacological and pharmacodynamics benefits may be obtained and that this information is valuable for a dietician to manipulate diets to improve health.

RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Towards HPV Vaccination among Albanian Women: An Effort to Improve HPV Vaccine Acceptance
    E Pojani, S Bozo, B Hoxha
    The Open Public Health Journal 18 (1) , 2025
    2025.0
  • Cervical Cancer and HPV vaccination: Insights into knowledge, attitudes, and practices among Albanian women
    E Pojani, S Bozo, E Capparelli, B Hoxha
    Vaccine: X 22, 100594 , 2025
    2025.0
    Citations: 4
  • Folic acid and autism: a systematic review of the current state of knowledge
    B Hoxha, M Hoxha, E Domi, J Gervasoni, S Persichilli, V Malaj, ...
    Cells 10 (8), 1976 , 2021
    2021.0
    Citations: 103
  • The interaction between arachidonic acid metabolism and homocysteine
    E Domi, M Hoxha, B Hoxha, B Zappacosta
    Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders-Drug Targets (Formerly Current Drug … , 2021
    2021.0
    Citations: 9
  • Potential role of lactoferrin and heparin in COVID-19: A review
    B Hoxha, A Hodaj
    Eur. Sci. J. ESJ 17, 14-23 , 2021
    2021.0
    Citations: 3
  • Folic Acid and Autism: A Systematic Review of the Current State of Knowledge
    B Hoxha, M Hoxha, B Zappacosta
    EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS 178 (11), 1738-1738 , 2019
    2019.0
  • Albanian Legislation on Corporate Governance
    B Hoxha
    JOURNAL OF EAST EUROPEAN LAW 9, 459-478 , 2002
    2002.0
  • Folic acid and autism: a systematic review of the current state of knowledge. Cells 2021; 10: 1976
    B Hoxha, M Hoxha, E Domi, J Gervasoni, S Persichilli, V Malaj, ...
    Citations: 5

MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Folic acid and autism: a systematic review of the current state of knowledge
    B Hoxha, M Hoxha, E Domi, J Gervasoni, S Persichilli, V Malaj, ...
    Cells 10 (8), 1976 , 2021
    2021.0
    Citations: 103
  • The interaction between arachidonic acid metabolism and homocysteine
    E Domi, M Hoxha, B Hoxha, B Zappacosta
    Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders-Drug Targets (Formerly Current Drug … , 2021
    2021.0
    Citations: 9
  • Folic acid and autism: a systematic review of the current state of knowledge. Cells 2021; 10: 1976
    B Hoxha, M Hoxha, E Domi, J Gervasoni, S Persichilli, V Malaj, ...
    Citations: 5
  • Cervical Cancer and HPV vaccination: Insights into knowledge, attitudes, and practices among Albanian women
    E Pojani, S Bozo, E Capparelli, B Hoxha
    Vaccine: X 22, 100594 , 2025
    2025.0
    Citations: 4
  • Potential role of lactoferrin and heparin in COVID-19: A review
    B Hoxha, A Hodaj
    Eur. Sci. J. ESJ 17, 14-23 , 2021
    2021.0
    Citations: 3
  • Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Towards HPV Vaccination among Albanian Women: An Effort to Improve HPV Vaccine Acceptance
    E Pojani, S Bozo, B Hoxha
    The Open Public Health Journal 18 (1) , 2025
    2025.0
  • Folic Acid and Autism: A Systematic Review of the Current State of Knowledge
    B Hoxha, M Hoxha, B Zappacosta
    EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS 178 (11), 1738-1738 , 2019
    2019.0
  • Albanian Legislation on Corporate Governance
    B Hoxha
    JOURNAL OF EAST EUROPEAN LAW 9, 459-478 , 2002
    2002.0