engleski

SCHOOL CHOICE AND VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE OF PUPILS WITH CHRONIC DISEASES IN VARAZDIN COUNTY OF CROATIA

Background: Vocational guidance is a multidisciplinary activity founded on scientific bases of medicine, psychology, pedagogy and other sciences which provides systematic, complex and continuing help to the person in carrier developing process. It sustains professional informing, counseling and selection. School medicine doctor monitors pupil’s health condition during the school time by preventive and specific measures as well as their professional development. Purpose: The aim of this study was to present reasons for vocational guidance in 10 primary schools in Varaždin County in Croatia from year 1997 to 2010. Material and methods: The study included 5800 8th grade pupils in 10 primary schools from year 1997 to 2010. On regular systematic examination in 8th grade of primary school, school medicine specialist gives assessment of pupil’s psycho-physical abilities for further education. During examination, counseling is provided for all pupils, and vocational guidance for pupils with chronic diseases and developmental difficulties. All procedures are oriented to personal abilities and preferences. Results: Vocational guidance was performed on 538 (9.3%) pupils with chronic diseases and developmental difficulties. The main reasons for vocational guidance were mental and behavioural disorders in 128 (37.3%) boys and 70 (35.9%) girls. After vocational guidance, pupils received assessment with suggestion for at least two occupation opportunities. Sixty seven pupils (12.5%) didn’t follow the suggestion of expert team, because of subjective or objective reasons. Conclusions: Through follow-up of pupil’s growth, development and health condition, school medicine specialist monitors opportunities for career choice. Special attention is needed for schoolchildren with chronic diseases and developmental difficulties, because of limited occupation choices. Parents and pupils should be informed before career choice, about diseases or limitations in other to develop interests for occupation without contraindication on time.

school health service; career choice; examination; counselling; occupational medicine

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