The influence of education on antenatal care and nutrition of newborns in Croatia

Abstract Background Previous studies indicate differences in the nutrition of newborns. Great efforts are invests in public health education of expectant mothers in order to improve the health of their offspring. Methods An analytical study of data on the influence of social factors and the level of education of mothers on the nutrition of newborns, habits of pregnant women and antenatal care in the City of Zagreb was conduct in 2022. The paper shows analytical results expressed in percentages of the prevalence and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results The survey covered 6,358 women giving birth in the City of Zagreb in 2022. Most mothers fed their newborns in the hospital with breast milk (48.6%) or a combination of breast milk and artificial nutrition (45.8%), and only 1.4% with artificial nutrition. The share of mothers who fed their newborns exclusively with breast milk is slightly higher among highly educated women (52.4%). The majority of women had their newborn’s first feeding within one hour (81.4%), also more often in highly educated women. The first breastfeeding is most often ten (10.1%) or 15 minutes after birth (8.2%). Only 1.1% of pregnant women smoked during pregnancy, of which the largest share was women with a high school diploma (62.1%). With the increase in education, the share of women with 5 or less antenatal checks decreases (completed college 3.3%, higher school 4.6%, secondary school 6.6%, primary school 12.7%). The largest share of pregnant women who had their first antenatal examination only after 10 weeks of pregnancy is among women with a high school diploma (11.3%). Conclusions The education of pregnant women influenced their adoption of positive lifestyle habits, the need for timely and regular antenatal care and the benefits of feeding newborns with breast milk. Additional education through public health campaigns aimed at pregnant women and future parents as well as breastfeeding support groups need to be continuously implement. Key messages • The education of pregnant women influenced their adoption of positive lifestyle habits, the need for timely and regular antenatal care and the benefits of feeding newborns with breast milk. • Additional education through public health campaigns aimed at pregnant women and future parents as well as breastfeeding support groups need to be continuously implement.