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Multi-indicator survey on children's nutrition in Croatia (MICS) (up to 5 years of age)
J Grgurić1, S Kolacek, R Lulić-Jurjević
1Children's Hospital Zagreb, Croatia.
Insights
Croatia
Area of Science:
- Child Health
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- The Multi-Indicator Survey (MICS) in Croatia assessed child health indicators.
- Focus areas included breastfeeding, nutrition, and prevention of common childhood illnesses.
- Understanding the current health landscape for children under five was crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the current status of breastfeeding practices among Croatian children.
- To assess nutritional status and knowledge regarding child health.
- To identify key health challenges, including acute respiratory infections and diarrheal diseases (ARI/CDD).
Main Methods:
- A nationwide Multi-Indicator Survey (MICS) was conducted in Croatia.
- The sample included 370 segments, with 40 households selected from each, totaling 14,800 households.
- Data analysis focused on 1937 children under five years of age from selected households.
Main Results:
- Breastfeeding rates were found to be very low and unsatisfactory.
- Over 50% of mothers stopped breastfeeding by 4 months; only 20% continued past 6 months.
- High prevalence of diluted cow's milk feeding (30% in first 6 months, 60% in second 6 months). War conditions negatively impacted breastfeeding rates.
Conclusions:
- Urgent interventions are needed to improve breastfeeding rates in Croatia.
- The study highlights significant nutritional and health challenges for young children.
- Findings underscore the need for targeted public health initiatives and further research.
Abstract:
Multi-Indicator Survey (MICS) on children in Croatia was supported by UNICEF's Zagreb Office. The purpose of this research was to establish the present situation in terms of breastfeeding, nutrition and prevention of the most significant health problems in primary health care i.e. acute respiratory and diarrhoeal diseases in children (ARI/CDD), and the level of knowledge. The survey for MICS in Croatia included altogether 370 segments, and from each 40 households were selected. This resulted in 14,800 households being selected for the final sample. 1563 (or 10.6%) of households selected had children under 5 years of age. In the whole sample there were altogether 1937 children under 5 years of age. Having summarized all relevant data, several general conclusions and assumptions may be drawn. The breast-feeding rate is very low, and therefore unsatisfactory. At the age of 4 months, more than 50% of all mothers have already stopped breast-feeding their infants, and only 20% of infants were breast-fed after the age of 6 months. We noticed an unfavourable trend towards a decrease in the rate of breast-feeding in war areas. The was has negatively affected breast-feeding. The prevalence of feeding using diluted cow's milk during the first six months is very high (30% in the first, and 60% in the second six months). On the basis of this research, further activities should be planned.