engleski

Multi-Indicator Survey on Children's Nutrition in Croatia (MISC) (up to 5 Years of Age)

Multi-Indicator Survey (MISC) 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 MISC 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. Having summarized all relevant data, several general conclusions and assumptions may be drawn. The breastfeeding rate is very low, and therefore unsatisfactory. At the age of 4 months, more than 50% of all mothers have already atopped breastfeeding their infants, and only 20% of infants were breastfed after the age of 6 months. We noticed an unfavourable trend towards a decrease in the rate of breastfeeding in war areas. The war has negativelly affected breastfeeding. 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.

infant nutrition; breastfeeding; children nutrition; Croatia

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