No abstract

Early childhood plays a key role in the formation of healthy habits and the establishment of health literacy. Nonetheless, there are only a few research studies focusing on the health literacy level of children under the age of eight. The aim of our systematic review is to explore empirical research on health literacy related to early childhood. The research was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA protocol. This systematic review examines 12 studies published between 2013–2022. Results show that research focuses on different domains of health literacy for children. In relation to children’s food literacy, children understand the relationship between health and nutrition and they realize the health impact of obesity. The habits connected to oral health are strongly associated with parents’ knowledge of and behaviours around oral health. Results related to health care situations show that children are able to be actively involved in decision-making processes in connection with their health. Exploring young children’s health literacy is essential in order to be able to plan health promotion interventions, embedded into early childhood education. Picture-based messages or story-based messages supported by illustrations can help measure health literacy in early childhood and can support the formation of health literacy.

The aim of the research is to map the health literacy of Hungarian early childhood educators through the exploration of the characteristics of their health condition and health behaviour. Early childhood educators, kindergarten teachers, teaching assistants and nurses were involved in our quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive research (N = 1010). The data obtained by using a measuring tool containing standardised questionnaires were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test and variance analysis (ANOVA; p < 0.05). Based on our findings we can state that-compared to the Hungarian population as a whole-the examined population is in a more favourable situation both in terms of health condition and health behaviour. However, because of their role-model status, the further improvement of health literacy-related skills of professionals working in early childhood education is still of the utmost importance, as this improvement can contribute to the foundation of rising generations' health literacy.

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A magyarországi és szlovákiai magyar óvodás gyermekek körében végzett DIFER-mérések összehasonlításának meglepő eredménye, hogy a gyermekek készségeinek fejlettsége óvodáskor végére a 4 éves kori mérésekhez képest (ahol még nincs lényegi különbség a két ország között) eltérő képet mutat. Óvodáskor végére a magyarországi gyermekek DIFER készségei számottevően fejlettebbek, mint a szlovákiai magyar társaiké. 3 A jelenség magyarázatát keresve első lépésként a két ország óvodai nevelési alapprogramját vizsgáltuk meg. Az összehasonlító elemzés segítségével a magyarországi és szlovákiai kétpólusú modell állami szabályozó dokumentumainak, az Óvodai nevelés országos alapprogramja és az Óvodai nevelés állami oktatási programja hasonlóságaira és különbözőségeire kívánunk rámutatni.