Fewer children in screening tests

In Lower Saxony, the participation rate in screening for children declined slightly in the past year, although the parents received a written invitation to the examinations. However, the rate is still significantly higher than in the years before 2010, before the invitations to the investigations were introduced, reports the "Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung" (HAZ).

According to the Federal Ministry of Health, the "screening examinations U1 to U9 and J1 can be an important building block for healthy child development." The so-called "U examinations" are followed by a medical examination of a child's general health status and age-related development. "This way, possible problems or abnormalities can be detected and treated at an early stage," reports the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG). The federal states have taken various ways to achieve the highest possible participation rate in the early detection examinations.

Invitation to the U-investigations
In Lower Saxony since 2010 separate invitations have been sent to the parents for examinations U5 (6th to 7th month of life) to U8 (46th to 48th month of life). For example, a significant improvement in participation in the examinations was achieved, and in 2014, despite the falling rate, more than 90 percent of children still participated in the screening tests. In studies U5 to U8, according to the BMG, among other things, there is an investigation of age-appropriate development, mobility, organs, sensory organs, growth, motor function and the nervous system. The linguistic development and behavioral problems are also recorded. There is also a check on dental status and vision. Overall, the investigations offer good opportunities for early detection of health problems.

Participation rate increased significantly after 2010
In Lower Saxony, about 91 percent of the 25,269 invited children participated in the U5 to U8 examinations in 2014, reports the "HAZ". In 2013 and 2012, it was still around 93 percent. Before introduction of the invitations to the parents the quota however only approx. 86 per cent had lain. According to figures from the Robert Koch Institute, the nationwide participation rate in the early detection examinations of 7- to 13-year-olds in the years 2009 to 2012 averaged around 82 percent, the HAZ continued.

Invitation to the screening examination a success
While participation in the screening examinations, for example in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, is compulsory, Niedersachsen relies on voluntary participation after a corresponding invitation. Invitations contain a response section to be filled in by the doctor, on the basis of which the participation of the Landessozialamt is confirmed. If no confirmation is received by the authorities, the parents will be reminded again. If no answer is given, the local child and youth welfare service will be informed and they will check, depending on the individual case, whether they are getting involved, according to the "HAZ". The Lower Saxony Minister of Health Cornelia Rundt (SPD) was pleased about the success of the procedure. "It is good that more parents have their children examined," the minister is quoted by the "HAZ". Better protection against neglect of the children, however, would not necessarily provide these investigations. For the non-appearance of the U-investigation is not an indication that the best interests of the child are in danger. According to the ministries, the youth welfare offices, however, need "important clues" to go into families on a secure legal basis.

Federal government plans extension of early detection
The Federal Government also sees the early detection examinations as an important instrument for preventive health care and, according to the "HAZ", plans to expand the examinations to 18 years of age. A binding participation is not planned. The bill also provides for greater attention to individual pressures and health risk factors. In this way, "new studies in primary and youth age could be introduced," Federal Health Minister Hermann Gröhe (CDU) is quoted by the "HAZ". (Fp)

Picture credits: C Falk