CHILDREN’S HEALTH CARE IN LATVIA

Rumba I., Biķis E., Remberga S.

Faculty of Medecine, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia

Objective: To follow up children health care indices in Latvia.

Methods: epidemiological, statistical methods were applied.

Results: During last three years birth rate in Latvia is not stable. From 1987-1998 number of newborns has been decresed by 2,3 times, now is slow increasing again up to 7,5 per 1000. The total number of newborns is 18410 in 2000 (Yearbook of health Care statistics in Latvia, Riga, 2000). The natural growth in Latvia stills negative (-6,5) per 1000. The life expectancy among men’s – 63,5 years, among women’s – 74,6 years. Infants mortality rate is slowly decreasing during last decade (11,4 per 1000). Main causes of death are perinatal conditions (hypoxia), infections, accidents. Among 1 st year of life main diseases are respiratory system diseases, and birth trauma. Perinatal care network in Latvia is organized. Brest feeding in Latvia has been increasing during last decade. During first three month’s of life brestfeeding percentage is 32,4%, during 6 month’s of life – 27,5%. The primary health care for children provided mostly by general practitioners. Latvia children health indices suggest that organization of health care should be of high importance.

Conclusion: The pediatricians shouls play key role in children healthcare in countries with negative demographic balance.

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