6 MARCH 2015

Final report of the Survey on Mandatory Medical Examination of Children presented

In November and December 2014, the Public Health and Reforms Center of the Ministry of Health (PHRC) surveyed middle and high school students (6-10 grades), their parents and paediatricians in Baku on mandatory medical examination of children. The survey was conducted in accordance with the relevant paragraph of the Action Plan of the Ministry of Health of Azerbaijan Republic on the implementation of "State Programme on Mandatory Medical Examination of Children". The research aimed to evaluate the quality of healthcare services for middle and high-school students and medical examination process in the country in the case of Baku. The survey was completed anonymously, ensuring confidentiality of the respondents. The research helped to measure public awareness about the State Programme on mandatory medical examination of children, and identify barriers for mandatory medical examination.

The survey was also designed to evaluate children’s health condition, their physical activity level, eating habits and micronutrient intakes, and awareness and knowledge of reproductive health. At the same time, the research revealed the extent of bad lifestyle habits, the causes and risk factors among school students.

The survey, carried out jointly with Baku City Education Department, targeted students aged 11-18 in 50 senior secondary schools in 11 districts of Baku. In total, 1446 respondents (996 children, 400 parents and 50 paediatricians) participated in the survey.

On March 6 2015, PHRC presented a final report of the survey findings.

Dr. Jeyhun Mammadov, PHRC Director, stressed the importance of the survey research. "It is the first time the 2014 survey on mandatory medical examination of children, their health status, nutrition and physical activity was conducted in our country. The survey is designed to study the behaviour of children, adolescents and adults working with them and approaches to the various issues and behavioural norms", he said.

While presenting the survey report Dr. Nabil Seyidov, expert at the Health and Reforms Policy Department, PHRC, said: ‘The vast majority of paediatricians realize the significance of mandatory medical examination of children, and they believe it can help detect and treat diseases among children. Moreover, it is easier to do regular medical examinations and treatment of children with chronic diseases registered at dispensaries’.