Original scientific paper
IDENTIFYING THE NEEDS OF SINGLE-PARENT FAMILIES IN CROATIAN CITIES – CROATIAN HEALTHY CITIES NETWORK ACTION RESEARCH
ALEN SUBOTIĆ
; Emergency Medicine Service, Zagreb County, Zagreb, Croatia
SELMA ŠOGORIĆ
orcid.org/0000-0002-2314-2146
; University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Andrija Štampar School of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
SILVIJE VULETIĆ
orcid.org/0000-0002-0620-8107
; University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Andrija Štampar School of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
According to demographic indicators, the number of single-parent families in Croatia has been increasing over years. Literature review leads to a conclusion that a structural defi cit in single-parent families increases their risk of pauperization, health risks and educational problems in children. The aim of this study was to identify specific needs of single-parent families in the Croatian cities. Recognized needs will serve as the foundation for future development of effective support
programs at the local level. Subjects and Methods: This applied research was conducted in (and by) six members of the Croatian Healthy Cities Network. While forming the sample, the strategy of purposeful sampling of ‘information rich’ respondents was used. The limit was the age of parents of ≤35 years with a child aged ≤7 years. Data were collected through structured (tape-recorded) interview with parents, performed by visiting nurses. A total of 79 transcripts of interviews were received. Data analysis was performed by use of qualitative analytical method (text reduction content analysis). Vulnerability of single-parent families, identifi ed through literature review, was confi rmed in this research. Results: The specifi c problems
faced by these families are unemployment, lack of support, insuffi cient understanding of legal rights and regulations, and organizations that can provide them with assistance. Conclusion: This research can contribute to the body of European health inequity research. It emphasizes the importance of interventions during early childhood development, especially in children growing up in adverse socioeconomic conditions.
Keywords
single-parent families; assessment of needs; community; public health interventions
Hrčak ID:
199521
URI
Publication date:
20.4.2018.
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