Prevalence of Down Syndrome in Croatia in the Period from 2014 to 2024

Background and Objectives: Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) represent a specific and vulnerable population requiring improvements in public health and social policies to ensure equal opportunities, longer life expectancy, and better quality of life. Accurate epidemiological and demographic indicators are essential for planning and evaluating interventions. This study aims to assess the prevalence of DS in Croatia from 2014 to 2024, analyzing demographic characteristics and regional distribution. A comparative analysis with international data and a review of national policies related to persons with disabilities and DS are also included. Materials and Methods: Data on the prevalence of DS were collected from the National Registry of Persons with Disabilities, where reporting individuals with DS is mandatory for the realization of legal rights. This ensures high data quality and representativeness. Prevalence per 1000 live births was calculated based on data from the national birth database and the registry. Results: The overall prevalence of DS in Croatia increased from 3.7 to 5.3 per 10,000 population during the observed period, while prevalence among live-born infants ranged from 1.1 to 1.5 per 1000. Males were slightly more represented (52.5%). The most common comorbidities included congenital heart defects. The mean age of individuals with DS was 28 years, with 12 individuals recorded as being older than 65 years and one individual aged 85. Conclusions: The DS prevalence in Croatia is comparable to data from European Union countries. The observed increase in prevalence and in the total number of individuals with disabilities highlights the need for continuous development and adaptation of national policies. As a signatory of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Croatia is actively working to improve its legislative framework and support systems to ensure equal rights and enhance quality of life for individuals with DS.