New NZFH study data: Opportunities to grow up healthy are unevenly distributed
26.09.2023 12:39
The state of health of 78 percent of infants and toddlers in Germany is “very good” – this is the result of the representative study “Children in Germany 0-3 2022” (KiD 0-3) by the National Center for Early Help (NZFH). But the new data also shows that the chances of a healthy and development-promoting upbringing are unevenly distributed. The coronavirus pandemic has further deepened these existing inequalities.
In comparison, the health status of children who grow up in a family environment affected by poverty is only “very good” for 64 percent. Furthermore, 21 percent of children whose families are affected by poverty do not develop according to their age. Pediatricians have noticed negative effects of the corona pandemic, particularly on the social and affective development of small children.
The study results also underline how important early help services are: 92 percent of parents who were accompanied at home by a family health and child nurse or a family midwife rate the service as “(very) helpful”.
Lisa Paus, Federal Minister for Family Affairs:
“The KiD 0-3 study provides us with valuable representative data on the health and development of infants and young children in Germany and thus fills a void. The fact that growing up in poverty demonstrably affects the development of even such young children is unacceptable. The pandemic has further reinforced this trend. With early help services, we particularly reach families with small children in precarious living conditions and can counteract negative developments at an early stage. This brings us closer to our goal of enabling all children in Germany to grow up with equal opportunities and healthily.”
Mechthild Paul, head of the National Center for Early Help (NZFH):
“The results of the KiD 0-3 study give us a much more accurate picture of how families in Germany are doing, especially in certain life situations. KiD 0-3 affirms that families in poverty have the greatest need for support. Many stresses come together for them and mean that their children have much fewer opportunities in all areas of life right from the start. With this data we can design the offers even more in line with needs.”
Dr. Thomas Fischbach, President of the Professional Association of Pediatric and Adolescent Doctors (BVKJ):
“Families in need of help are equally dependent on medical and social-educational support. The sooner we can offer appropriate help to families in stressful situations, the better the chances are for their children. Here, specifically addressing families in our practices is essential. We are working with many partners to ensure that early help continues to be reliably established in numerous municipal networks.”
A total of 7,818 mothers and fathers were surveyed for the study from April to December 2022. 258 pediatricians took part. The surveys took place as part of the early detection examinations U3 to U7a. The parents provided information about their stress and available resources as well as the use and evaluation of support services. At the same time, the doctors filled out a documentation form on the child's health and development for each participating family. This sheet was developed in close cooperation with the Professional Association of Pediatric and Adolescent Doctors (BVKJ).
The data from the surveys form an important basis for tracing the situation of families with small children in Germany from both a parent's perspective and a pediatrician's assessment and determining their need for support.
Results and information about the study can be found at:
https://www.fruehehilfen.de/forschung-im-nzfh/praevalenz-und-versorgungsforschung/kid-0-3-repraesentativbefragung-2022/ausgewaehlte-ergebnisse