PREVENTIVE EXAMINATIONS OF CHILDREN IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES: SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Public Health
• Comparative Medicine

Background:

• Well-child visits and screenings are crucial for monitoring child development and early disease detection.
• International variations in healthcare guidelines can impact pediatric primary care.
• Understanding these differences is essential for optimizing child health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare and analyze differences in recommendations for well-child visits and screenings up to age five in Germany, Ukraine, and Poland.
• To identify key variations in preventive care strategies across these countries.
• To provide insights for enhancing primary pediatric care.

Main Methods:

• A comparative analysis of governmental recommendations for pediatricians in Germany, Ukraine, and Poland.
• Utilized specific national guidelines and child health record books for data extraction.
• Focused on well-child visit schedules, screening protocols, and supplementation recommendations.

Main Results:

• Ukraine exhibits 1.5-2 times more doctor visits compared to Germany and Poland; nurse visits are absent in Germany.
• Neonatal screenings for genetic and metabolic diseases in Ukraine align with international standards.
• Differences observed in hearing and vision screening ages, hip joint examinations, and routine vitamin/mineral supplementation (D, fluoride, iodine, K).

Conclusions:

• Significant similarities and differences exist in the preventive programs of Ukraine, Poland, and Germany.
• The findings highlight areas for potential improvement in primary pediatric care, particularly in Ukraine.
• Comparative analysis can inform evidence-based adjustments to national pediatric healthcare guidelines.