Health themes in primary education: A comparative study of Western Balkan curricula

Given current world events, health education (HE) is recognised as a critical component for the wellbeing of a healthy population. This comparative study aimed to analyze the representation of health themes in the curricula of selected Western Balkan countries (Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro) and to examine whether the analyzed curricula predominantly reflect goal-, outcome-, or content-oriented approaches. A qualitative content analysis of official documents for the first four grades of primary education was conducted using predefined analytical criteria related to curriculum orientation, health themes, planning and organization of learning, and assessment approaches. The findings indicate that all analyzed curricula include health-related themes, although important differences exist in curriculum structure and integration of health content. Croatian and Serbian curricula demonstrate stronger orientation toward learning goals and outcomes, while the curricula of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro remain predominantly content-oriented. The Croatian curriculum particularly emphasizes cross-curricular integration of HE. The study highlights similarities and differences in curriculum approaches to HE and points to the importance of curriculum orientation in organizing health-related teaching content.