abstract ok.indd - eusuhm

SCHOOL HEALTH SYSTEMS IN EUROPE
M. P.Habibuw, T. de Man-van Veen, J. F. Meulmeester,
Netherlands School of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam.
In many European countries a school health system exists. These systems have similar goals
and objectives but the implementation, the components and performance of various health programmes
varies in different European countries. In 2001 during the EUSUHM congress the study
design and questionnaire have been presented.
The study compares of health indicators, health care systems (preventive and /or curative) and
the social and physical environment. Ten European countries responded. The results of the comparison
of school health systems in Europe will be presented and compared with the data of the
previous study.
SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES IN CROATIA: WHAT DO WE REALLY NEED?
M. Kuzman, Pr, MD, MSc
Croatian National Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
Health is an essential dimension of the quality of life and yet it means something different for
different groups, individuals and communities. Especially for health professionals dealing with
young people is important to accept the concept of measuring health not only in terms of morbidity
and mortality, but to define it in a more positive ways. These professionals should make an effort
and to encourage young people to take an action, not only to accept and adopt the healthier
lifestyle, but to be able to increase their own control on their health.
In this paper the organization of health care and the national programme for school children
and youth in Croatia is described. The advantages and disadvantages of this organization are
discussed.
In Croatia the school health services are organized in the public health institutes. Each team,
consisting of the school health doctor (specialist in school medicine) and a nurse is responsible
for 5000 school children, youth and university students. The annual programme covers comprehensive
systematic examinations (three in primary school, one in secondary school and one at
the university), other check-ups, screenings, vaccination, health education and health promotion,
counselling (guidance services), regular meetings with teachers, school counsellors and parents,
care for chronically ill children and children with the special needs. The general outline of the
programme could be amended to meet the specific local needs (i.e. more sexual education). In
addition, school doctors are often involved in the multidisciplinary projects at the national or local
level (Health Promoting Schools, Primary Drug Prevention, Youth Friendly Services etc). The
school doctor‘s role is viewed as not only being the expert and enabler, but to advocate for
health in a broader term and to facilitate changes in the organizational structure and in community.
As the organization of school health services in Croatia has been changed five years ago in
favor of the preventive health care exclusively, there is still feeling that comprehensive approach
had its advantages. The possibilities for the interventions are felt to be too limited. The
collaboration with the family doctors still has to be improved.
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