engleski

The Importance of Health Education in Primary Schools of the Republic of Croatia and Switzerland

Introduction: This research aimed to examine the differences in knowledge and attitudes, as well as in satisfaction, about issues addressed in health education curricula between primary school students in Croatia and Switzerland. Methods: This data were collected from November 2019 to June 2020, included 136 primary school students from Croatia (n = 54) and Switzerland (n = 82). The questionnaire used to examine the research objectives consisted of 100 questions that have been adapted to the health education curriculum in both countries. Results: The most pronounced differences were found in knowledge about genderrelated issues between upper and lower grade students. In general, upper grade students had better knowledge of issues related to menstruation (χ2 = 23.395 ; P <0.001), condom use (χ2 = 25.140 ; P <0.001), and HIV transmission (χ2 = 28.025 ; P <0.001). Swiss students were more satisfied with health education than Croatian students, especially with regard to teaching content related to health education (χ2 = 32.900 ; P = 0.001). The significance threshold was set at p<0.05. 68 INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE »LEARNING TO LIVE AND WORK TOGETHER«: BOOK OF ABSTRACTS. Discussion and conclusion: A trend of more positive attitudes about the importance of health education and satisfaction with the health education curriculum was observed in Swiss primary school students compared to Croatian primary school students. The students in both countries understand personal responsibility for health and the importance of a healthy lifestyle for health preservation. The most appropriate methods to improve health-related knowledge and positive attitudes in primary school students are practical teachings, age-appropriate continuous informing, and using healthy habits in everyday life.

health education curriculum, primary school, ethnic specificities

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