Definition
The U11 examination is the eleventh preventive examination of the child and is performed at the age of approx. 9 to 10 years.
Introduction
The U1 to U7 child care units have been an important part of pediatrics for several decades. Their performance by the pediatrician and adolescent physician is intended to ensure a healthy age-appropriate physical and mental development of the child by detecting diseases of newborns, infants and children as early as possible. At the same time, the preventive examinations enable the recognition and prevention of neglect, neglect, maltreatment or abuse of any kind.
However, since the examinations U1 to U7 only cover the age from the 1st to the 24th month of life, further preventive examinations have been introduced for which an additional preventive booklet is available. As part of these new examinations, U11 is performed on a voluntary basis in the 9th-10th year of the child’s life. The focus of this preventive examination is on school performance disorders, the child’s social behavior and exercise and nutrition. The child’s media behaviour is also critically examined.
Contents of the U11 investigation
At the age of 9 or 10, children are increasingly confronted with new challenges. This is also reflected in the U11 preventive examination. The main focus is therefore on the recognition and planning of the treatment of school performance disorders, socialization and behavioral disorders as well as possible tooth, mouth and jaw anomalies.
The U11 also serves to recognize and prevent problematic handling of addictive substances or harmful media consumption. By means of questionnaires and direct questioning of the child and parents, the doctor can find out whether the child possibly shows addictive behavior when using computers, TV, smartphones or other media or whether he or she has already had contact with drugs, possibly also indirectly. In addition, the U11 also includes counseling for parents and the child regarding health-conscious behavior.
Depending on their needs, nutrition, sports and stress management are discussed. The content of each preventive medical check-up is also a general physical examination. This involves measuring height and weight and calculating the BMI (Body Mass Index). As standard, the various abdominal and thoracic organs, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys and liver, are then checked. There is also a check of the visual and hearing faculties, as well as motor skills and dexterity.
