Comparison of knowledge of students of health and non-health studies about Down syndrome in the Republic of Croatia

Down sindrom, genetski poremećaj karakteriziran prisutnošću dodatnog 21. kromosoma, donosi niz medicinskih i društvenih izazova. Premda su njegovi medicinski aspekti dobro istraženi, društvene implikacije, posebno u pogledu informiranosti i predrasuda, ostaju područje velikog interesa. Premda je Down sindrom jedan od najpoznatijih genetskih poremećaja, izazovi s kojima se osobe s Down sindromom susreću često su pogrešno shvaćeni ili zanemareni od strane opće javnosti. Mnoge od ovih predrasuda i nesporazuma proizlaze iz neznanja ili nesvjesnih pretpostavki. Osim fizičkih i kognitivnih izazova, osobe s Down sindromom često se suočavaju s društvenim barijerama koje ometaju njihovu punu integraciju u zajednicu. U ovom radu, osim teorijske pozadine sindroma, provedeno je detaljno istraživanje o znanja studenata zdravstvenih i ostalih smjerova o sindromu Down u Republici Hrvatskoj. Ovo istraživanje ukazuje na potrebu za sveobuhvatnijim pristupom u edukaciji, integrirajući genetske i medicinske informacije s praktičnim životnim aspektima i izazovima. Na temelju dobivenih rezultata, zaključeno je da postoji jasna potreba za unaprjeđenjem obrazovnih programa i sadržaja s ciljem pružanja dubljeg razumijevanja Down sindroma. Edukacija bi trebala obuhvatiti ne samo medicinske, već i društvene aspekte, u svrhu smanjenja predrasuda i kako bi se osigurala inkluzivnost od strane društva.Down syndrome, a genetic disorder characterized by the presence of an additional 21st chromosome, presents a range of medical and social challenges. Although its medical aspects are well-researched, its social implications, especially in terms of awareness and prejudices, remain a significant area of interest. This paper delves into the theoretical background of the syndrome and conducts a study on the level of awareness among students in the Republic of Croatia. Despite Down syndrome being one of the most recognized genetic disorders, the challenges faced by individuals with Down syndrome are often misunderstood or overlooked by the general public. Many of these misconceptions and misunderstandings arise from ignorance or unconscious biases. Beyond physical and cognitive challenges, individuals with Down syndrome frequently encounter social barriers hindering their full integration into the community. In this paper, besides exploring the theoretical background of the syndrome,an in-depth investigation was conducted into the knowledge of health and other academic field students regarding Down syndrome in the Republic of Croatia. This research points to the need for a more comprehensive approach in education, integrating genetic and medical information with practical life aspects and challenges. Based on the findings, it is concluded that there is a clear necessity to strengthen educational programs and content aimed at providing a deeper understanding of Down syndrome. Education should encompass not only medical but also social aspects, to reduce prejudices and ensure inclusivity and understanding in society