The State of Children's Health in Europe

Assessment of the general health status of children in Turkey: A community-based cross-sectional study

AIM

This study aims to assess the general health status and factors affecting the general health status in the 0-14 age group in Turkey.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted using the Turkish Statistical Institute Turkey Health Survey 2022 micro data set.

RESULTS

This study included 7019 participants. Household heads described the general health status of 91.3% of children and the dental and gum status of 82.4% of children as very good or good, and 9.2% of children had any chronic disease. Although the median breastfeeding duration was 15 months, there is statistical significant association between sex and general health status (p = 0.014) and sex and duration of breastfeeding (p = 0.006). A statistical difference was found between duration of breastfeeding and general health status (p = 0.009) and dental and gum status (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In 2022, the majority of children in Turkey had very good or good general health and dental and gum status. More than a third of children were breastfed for less than 12 months. Considering the possibility of neglecting oral and dental health problems, it is recommended to prioritize oral and dental health literacy trainings and to continue breastfeeding promotion programmes.

Status of Healthy Choices, Attitudes and Health Education of Children and Young People in Romania-A Literature Review

Background and Objectives: This study aims to assess the health status and factors influencing healthy choices among children and young people in Romania, as well as the efficacy of related health education programs. Through understanding these dynamics, the study seeks to provide insights that can shape targeted interventions, policies, and educational strategies to improve this demographic's overall health and well-being. Materials and Methods: For this study, we performed a literature review of original published papers on the health status, healthy habits, health education, predisposition to making healthy choices in the future, and accessibility to the paediatric health system of Romanian children and young people, as well as the effects of different types of educational interventions on this demographic in Romania. Results: The prevalence of dental caries is high in Romania. In terms of eating habits and nutritional status, a worrying proportion of children are overweight or obese, which can lead to a variety of future physical and psychological problems. In terms of physical activity, few adolescents demonstrate regular fitness practices. Romania presents an increase in alcohol and tobacco consumption among adolescents. The mental health of students has become a pressing public health concern, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The use of social networks is linked to mental health issues among young people. Romania still has one of the highest rates of sexually transmitted diseases and faces a high incidence of cervical cancer, with a mortality rate three times higher than the EU average. High rates of teenage pregnancies are linked to limited information about sexuality and a lack of access to family planning at a young age. There are large discrepancies in the accessibility of medical services between urban and rural areas. Conclusions: Romania faces significant obstacles to providing high-quality healthcare to children and young people. Improving nutrition, immunisation rates, and access to medical services represent essential areas for enhancing the health of children and young people in Romania.

Primary child health care services in Lithuania: Does it meet the needs of the children?

BACKGROUND

Primary health care is the foundation of a health system and has a strong influence on the efficiency of the health system as a whole. For children in Europe, it is defined by three primary health care models: paediatric; mixed paediatrician and family physician; and family physician. There is much debate in Europe about which model is most appropriate for children. The Lithuanian model is mixed, although health policy is geared towards the promotion of family physicians, with a decline in the number of primary paediatricians in clinical practice.

OBJECTIVES

To review the children's primary health care system in Lithuania, compare the indicators of primary care by family physicians and paediatricians in Lithuania, and identify parents' perceptions of the primary health care model for children.

METHODS

A retrospective longitudinal study was performed of children's primary health care indicators for quantity and quality in 2014-2018. A representative opinion survey of 1000 adult respondents was conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 3.5 million children's visits to primary care physicians (6.7 ± 3 visits for each child) were registered in Lithuania in 2018. During a recent 5-year period (2014-2018), the number of visits did not change significantly. Visits to paediatricians accounted for 41% of all children's visits to primary care physicians in 2018. Visits to Emergency Departments increased by 20%. The results of the survey showed that 72.3% of the respondents would prefer their children be treated by a primary care paediatrician.

CONCLUSION

The mixed paediatrician and family physician health care model gives parents the right to choose. The results showed a decreased number of paediatricians in primary care; paediatric primary care is more frequent than family physician care; and parents tend to trust paediatricians more. The study also showed differences in the models of service used and patterns between regions in Lithuania.

Child healthcare services offered by the Vatican City State in its national territory and in extra-territorial neighboring Italian areas

Pediatric healthcare activity related to the Vatican City State is carried out at secondary and tertiary levels in the two main pediatric territorial and extra-territorial medical centers, which are administered by the Vatican: the Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital and the Mother and Child pediatric Department of the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza Medical Center. Both centers are recognized by the Italian State and internationally with the formal legal status of Scientific Institutes for Clinical Research. The relations established between the Holy See, in the person of the Secretary of State, the Board of Directors, the President of the Board, and the Board of Auditors regulate the management of the two medical centers. The child healthcare and research activity of the two Vatican State administered medical centers is described in this article.