FOOD SAFETY OR SEX EDUCATION: WHICH SHOULD BE TAUGHT FIRST IN 9-YEAR SCHOOLS?

In the Albanian education system, sex education has started to be partially included in some subjects, while food safety – a fundamental component of public health – is almost completely absent from the 9-year education curriculum. This study aims to assess parents’ perceptions and attitudes on the importance of these two areas, in order to determine which should have priority in early health education. The study is based on a structured questionnaire for parents of different educational levels and ages, who assess their knowledge, health habits and the priorities they give to food safety and sex education. The results show that, although both topics are important, knowledge on safe food, hygiene and prevention of food poisoning have a more immediate and practical impact on children’s health. The study proposes the gradual integration of food safety education as a basis for building a comprehensive health education in Albanian schools.