Midwifery is a healthcare profession that for many years did not have the opportunity to continue education beyond the secondary school level. The need for higher education of midwives was first recognised by the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Rijeka, which in the academic year 2008/2009 launched the first undergraduate professional study programme in Midwifery in Croatia. The programme continued at the newly established Faculty of Health Studies, where midwives are now educated on an equal footing with other non-physician healthcare professions.
The Department of Midwifery has been operating within the Faculty of Health Studies of the University of Rijeka since its establishment in 2014, initially bringing together teachers of professional subjects, midwifery care, and clinical sciences – gynaecology and obstetrics. Since the academic year 2024/2025, the Department members have been teachers of midwifery, i.e. midwifery care.
The first Head of the Department of Midwifery was Assoc. Prof. Alemka Brnčić Fischer, PhD, who held the position until September 2017. In the following period, from 2017 until the end of the academic year 2022/2023, the Head of the Department was Prof. Herman Haller, PhD. Since the academic year 2023/2024, the position of Head of the Department of Midwifery has been held by Assist. Prof. Deana Švaljug, PhD.
In its work, the Department of Midwifery has been dedicated to the continuous improvement of midwifery education, one of the most important achievements being the establishment of the graduate study programme in Midwifery. Launched in the academic year 2019/2020, it is the only programme in the country that enables midwives to obtain a graduate-level qualification (mag. obs.).
The same applies to the development of a new university undergraduate study programme, with additional emphasis on clinical training and the acquisition of midwifery care skills in accordance with European standards, based on scientific and professional knowledge. Since the academic year 2023/2024, the undergraduate Midwifery programme has been upgraded from a professional to a university level programme.
In addition to the full-time undergraduate Midwifery programme, the Faculty of Health Studies of the University of Rijeka, upon the proposal of the Department of Midwifery, alternately opens a part-time undergraduate programme or a bridging programme aimed at enabling horizontal mobility from the undergraduate Nursing programme to the undergraduate Midwifery programme (the so-called “Bridging program”).
Other responsibilities of the Department of Midwifery:
- Organisation of teaching, preparation of schedules and timetables
- Monitoring the academic performance of midwifery students
- Organisation of extracurricular activities
- Encouraging professional development of teachers and associates
- Monitoring teaching and academic career progression of staff
- Planning teaching and academic staff
- Cooperation with other departments
Department of Midwifery
Head of Department
- Assist. Prof. Deana Švaljug, PhD, BSc, MSc
Head of Undergraduate Midwifery Programme- Office hours: Tuesday 12:00–13:00
- e-mail: deana.svaljug@uniri.hr
Deputy Head of Department
- Lecturer Iva Keglević, MSc, RN
- Office hours: Tuesday 14:00–15:00, Clinic of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, KBC
- e-mail: iva.keglevic@uniri.hr
Administrative staff
- Sanja Sanković, MSc in Economics (undergraduate programmes secretary)
- Tel.: +385 51 554 934
- e-mail: sanja.sankovic@fzsri.uniri.hr
- Ines Sučić, BSc in Economics (graduate programmes secretary, room reservations)
- Tel.: +385 51 554 932
- e-mail: ines.sucic@uniri.hr
Staff
- Senior Lecturer Magdalena Kurbanović, MSc (Midwifery)
- Office hours: by appointment
- e-mail: magdalena.kurbanovic@uniri.hr
- Teaching Assistant Antonia Jelovica Haupert, MSc (Nutrition)
- e-mail: antoniajh@uniri.hr
Scientific and Professional Projects
Research on the Correlation of Environmental Factors, Heavy Metals and Pesticides, with Microbiome Status in Patients Diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – METALBIOme (project code: uniri-mzi-25-19)
Project leader: Sandra Kraljević Pavelić
Associates: Željko Jovanović, Marija Spevan, Nina Bašić-Marković, Jurica Žučko, Igor Pasković, Antonia Jelovica Haupert, Sara Bezak
Association between Changes in Intestinal Permeability Status and Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – BIOLEAK (project code: uniri-iz-25-93)
Project leader: Željko Jovanović
Associates: Sandra Kraljević Pavelić, Marija Spevan, Nina Bašić-Marković, Jurica Žučko, Igor Pasković, Antonia Jelovica Haupert, Sara Bezak
Pain Assessment in Newborns
Project leader: Associate Professor Sandra Bošković, PhD
Associates: Marija Spevan, Silvije Šegulja, Iva Keglević, Marko Klarić, Deana Švaljug
Mapping and Assessment of Developments for one of sectoral professions under directive 2005/36/ec – Midwife, Spark Legal and Policy Consulting, GROW/2023/OP/0024 – Deana Švaljug, ID number 116955209, from 30 August 2023
IMAgiNE EURO Project – Survey on maternal and newborn health service preparedness, quality and resilience, among countries of the WHO European Region, at different phases of the COVID-19 pandemic (ClinicalTrials.gov Id: NCT04847336)
Magdalena Kurbanović; 2019 – ongoing
Working group of the University of Rijeka scientific project “Positive Childbirth Experience and the Use of Non-Pharmacological Methods of Labour Pain Relief”, project leader Professor Herman Haller, PhD.
Project number: Uniri-biomed 18-208, Deana Švaljug, 2019 – 2022
RADAR – Strengthening the advocacy potential of civil society organisations for the protection of women’s human rights in healthcare. Active Citizens Fund – financial support from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway within the European Economic Area and Norway Grants.
Magdalena Kurbanović, 2021 – 2022
Erasmus+ project “3P+ Adult Education for Positive Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Puerperium”.
Magdalena Kurbanović. 2019.
Published Books and/or Book Chapters (Scientific, Professional)
Stanojević M, Pavičić Bošnjak A, Grgurić J, Čatipović M, Plazibat M, Švaljug D, Fureš R. Chapter 7: The Importance of Breastfeeding for Human Health in Gynecology and Perinatology. Osijek: Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek; 2024, pp. 451–81. ISBN 978-953-8385-20-9.
Švaljug D, Malnar D. Midwifery in Croatia, Medical Professions in International Perspective, edited by Malgorzata Nagorska, Rzeszow University Publishing House, Rzeszow, 2024. ISBN 978-83-8277-140-4 (online version), ISBN 978-83-8277-181-7 (print version), DOI: 10.15584/978-83-8277-140-4. Available at:https://repozytorium.ur.edu.pl/server/api/core/bitstreams/da024e10-cfda-45ca-a9de-edaac89e4899/contentDrandic D, Kurbanovic M. Collaborative Decision-Making from a Woman’s Perspective. In Jefford E, Jomeen J., eds. Empowering Decision-Making in Midwifery: A Global Perspective. London, New York: Routledge; 2020. pp. 218–228.
Publications (2019–2025)
PUBLISHED PAPERS IN INDEXED JOURNALS
- Orlandini R, Matana A, Švaljug D, Gusar I, Antičević V. Predictors of Loneliness and Psychological Distress in Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A National Cross-Sectional Study. JMIR Public Health and Surveillance 2025;11:e78728. Available at: https://publichealth.jmir.org/2025/1/e78728
- Mivšek PA, Švaljug D, Vermeulen J, Nagórska M. (2025). How empathic are midwifery students? Nursing in the 21st Century, 24(3(92), 218-224. 224. https://doi.org/10.12923/pielxxiw-2025-0027. Available at: https://czasopisma.umlub.pl/piel21w/article/view/3147/3127
- Batram-Zantvoort S, Miani C, Mariani I, Valente EP, Zaigham M, Nedberg IH, Kurbanović M, et al. The Association Between Women’s Perception of Birth During the Pandemic, Companion of Choice and Support From Health Professionals: A Cross-Sectional Study in 20 Countries in the WHO European Region. Birth. 2025;52(4):677-689. doi:10.1111/birt.12915
- Galle A, Berghman H, Mariani I, Verdecchia M, Bomben A, Skirnisdottir EV 3, Drandic D, Pumpure E, Costa R, Elden H, Miani C, Baranowska B, Sarantaki A, Drglin Z, Radetic R, ALiepinaitienė A, Rozée V, Abderhalden-Zellweger A, Cerimagic A, König-Bachmann M, Kolokotroni O, Chertok I, Arendt M, Delle Vedove S, Hersoug Nedberg I, Kurbanovic M, et al. Experiences of disrespect and abuse during childbirth in the World Health Organization European region: A mixed-method study among 22 countries. Int J Gynaecol Obstet, 2025. doi:10.1002/ijgo.70516
- Jovanović Ž, Spevan M, Bošković S, Švaljug D, Miletić B. Insights into Positive Mental Health Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from a Study in Croatia. COVID 2024, 4, 998-1011. https://doi.org/10.3390/covid4070069. Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/2673-8112/4/7/69
- Buljubašić A, Švaljug D, Mudnić Pulje M, Gusar I, Jerković, J, Jerončić Tomić I. Knowledge about Fertility in Croatia, Measured with the Croatian Version of the Cardiff Fertility Knowledge Scale (CFKS-Hr), in Relation to Attitudes toward Having a Child and Associated Factors in a Cross-Sectional Survey. Nurs. Rep. 2024, 14, 816-828. Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/2039-4403/14/2/63/pdf
- Zaigham M, Linden K, Elden H, Delle Vedove S, Mariani I, Kongslien S, Drandić D, Pumpure E, Drglin Z, Costa R, Sarantaki A, de Labrusse C, Miani C, Oțelea MR, Liepinaitienė A, Baranowska B, Rozée V, Valente EP, Vik ES, Kurbanović M, et al. Trends in the quality of maternal and neonatal care in Sweden and Norway as compared to 12 WHO European countries: A cross-sectional survey investigating maternal perspectives during the COVID-19 pandemic. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand, 2024. doi:10.1111/aogs.14994
- Valente EP, Mariani I, Bomben A, Morano S, Gemperle M, Otelea MR, Miani C, Elden H, Sarantaki A, Costa R, Baranowska B, König-Bachmann M, Kongslien S, Drandić D, Rozée V, Nespoli A, Abderhalden-Zellweger A, Nanu I, Batram-Zantvoort S, Linden K, Metallinou D, Dias H, Tataj-Puzyna U, D’Costa E, Nedberg IH, Kurbanović M, et al. Health workers’ perspectives on the quality of maternal and newborn health care around the time of childbirth: Results of the Improving MAternal Newborn carE in the EURO Region (IMAgiNE EURO) project in 12 countries of the World Health Organization European Region. J Glob Health. 2024;14:04164
- Marendić M, Bokan I, Matana A, Orlandini R, Širić A, Puljak L, Gusar I, Zoranić S, Sajko M, Čukljek S, Barać I, Švaljug D. “Attitudes and factors that affect Croatian nursing students’ choice of thesis type: A cross-sectional study.” Nurse Education Today vol. 121 (2023): 105664. doi:10.1016/j.nedt.2022.105664. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36462325/
- Švaljug D, Malnar D, Kurbanović M, Kuljak Ž, Bonačić D. A History of the Midwifery Profession in the Republic of Croatia. Journal of Transcultural Nursing. June 2022; 1-9. Available at: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/10436596221098975
- Otelea MR, Simionescu AA, Mariani I, Valente EP, Nanu MI, Nanu I, Handra CM, Covi B, Lazzerini M, Ćerimagić A, Drandić D, Kurbanović M, et al. Women’s assessment of the quality of hospital-based perinatal care by mode of birth in Romania during the COVID-19 pandemic: Results from the IMAgiNE EURO study. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2022;159 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):126-136. doi:10.1002/ijgo.14482
- de Labrusse C, Abderhalden-Zellweger A, Mariani I, Pfund A, Gemperle M, Grylka-Baeschlin S, Mueller AN, Valente EP, Covi B, Lazzerini M, Ćerimagić A, Drandić D, Kurbanović M, et al. Quality of maternal and newborn care in Switzerland during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study based on WHO quality standards. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2022;159 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):70-84. doi:10.1002/ijgo.14456
- Nedberg IH, Vik ES, Kongslien S, Mariani I, Valente EP, Covi B, Lazzerini M, Ćerimagić A, Drandić D, Kurbanović M, et al. Quality of health care around the time of childbirth during the COVID-19 pandemic: Results from the IMAgiNE EURO study in Norway and trends over time. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2022;159 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):85-96. doi:10.1002/ijgo.14460
- Costa R, Barata C, Dias H, Rodrigues C, Santos T, Mariani I, Covi B, Valente EP, Lazzerini M, Ćerimagić A, Drandić D, Kurbanović M, et al. Regional differences in the quality of maternal and neonatal care during the COVID-19 pandemic in Portugal: Results from the IMAgiNE EURO study. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2022;159 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):137-153. doi:10.1002/ijgo.14507
- Pumpure E, Jakovicka D, Mariani I, Vaska A, Covi B, Valente EP, Jansone-Šantare G, Knoka AR, Vilcāne KP, Rezeberga D, Lazzerini M, Ćerimagić A, Drandic D, Kurbanović M, et al. Women’s perspectives on the quality of maternal and newborn care in childbirth during the COVID-19 pandemic in Latvia: Results from the IMAgiNE EURO study on 40 WHO standards-based quality measures. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2022;159 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):97-112. doi:10.1002/ijgo.14461
- Drandić D, Drglin Z, Mihevc Ponikvar B, Bohinec A, Ćerimagić A, Radetić J, Ružičić J, Kurbanović M, et al. Women’s perspectives on the quality of hospital maternal and newborn care around the time of childbirth during the COVID-19 pandemic: Results from the IMAgiNE EURO study in Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2022;159 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):54-69. doi:10.1002/ijgo.14457
- Valente EP, Covi B, Mariani I, Morano S, Otalea M, Nanu I, Nanu MI, Elden H, Linden K, Zaigham M, Vik ES, Kongslien S, Nedberg I, Costa R, Rodrigues C, Dias H, Drandić D, Kurbanović M, et al. WHO Standards-based questionnaire to measure health workers’ perspective on the quality of care around the time of childbirth in the WHO European region: development and mixed-methods validation in six countries. BMJ Open. 2022;12(4):e056753. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056753
- Lazzerini M, Covi B, Mariani I, Drglin Z, Arendt M, Nedberg IH, Elden H, Costa R, Drandić D, Radetić J, Otelea MR, Miani C, Brigidi S, Rozée V, Ponikvar BM, Tasch B, Kongslien S, Linden K, Barata C, Kurbanović M, et al. Quality of facility-based maternal and newborn care around the time of childbirth during the COVID-19 pandemic: online survey investigating maternal perspectives in 12 countries of the WHO European Region. Lancet Reg Health Eur. 2022;13:100268. doi:10.1016/j.lanepe.2021.100268
- Zlatanović M, Antić Lj, Radosavljević D, Antić D, Despotović M, Aleksandrić J, Švaljug D. Inequalities in the education of midwives in Europe. Acta facultatis medicae Naissensis 2021, 4(38). Available at: https://scindeks.ceon.rs/article.aspx?artid=035160832104315Z
- Đido V, Pilav A, Marjanović M, Phillips J, Švaljug D, Bošković S, Konjo H, Omerović Đ. Applicability of the Fels questionnaire on physical activity of children in rural areas of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Journal of Health Sciences 2020;10(3):204-210. Available at: https://doi.org/10.17532/jhsci.2020.1072
OTHER PUBLISHED PAPERS
- Kurbanović M, Švaljug D, Vidović J. The Importance of Midwifery Education in the Implementation of the “Baby-Friendly Hospital” Program. Nova bolnica – Journal of General Hospital Zabok and the Croatian Veterans Hospital. 2025;32:25-27
- Kurbanović M. The Foundation of Health from the Very Beginning. Narodni zdravstveni list. 2025;786-787:30-32.
- Buljubašić A, Švaljug D, Mudnić Pulje M, Gusar I, Jerković, J, Jerončić Tomić I. Intention to Childbearing a Third Child in Fertile Age – Cross-Sectional Research. Hrvat.čas.zdr.znan. 2024;4:6-14. Available at: https://hrcak.srce.hr/en/320449
- Luketić K, Švaljug D. Anthropometric Characteristics of Full-Term Newborns. World of Health 2023. (6):50-57 ISSN 2623-5773. Available at: https://hrcak.srce.hr/ojs/index.php/woh/article/view/27474
- Kurbanović M. Midwifery Units. Primaljski vjesnik. 2023;35(1):6-11.
- Kurbanović M. Guidelines for the Care of Women in Physiological Childbirth: A Qualitative Study. Zagreb: Roditelji u akciji – Roda, 2022.
- Drandić D, Knezić Frković B, Kurbanović M, Skukan Šoštarić Ž. Experiences of Pregnant Women, Mothers Giving Birth, and Postpartum Women in the Healthcare System in Croatia in 2018 and 2019. Zagreb: Roditelji u akciji – Roda; 2020.
Participation in Scientific and Professional Conferences
- Bevc S, Tarčuković J, Kurbanović M. Exploring the Role of Simulation Labs in the Future of Medical Education. MEDRI2025 – Second International Conference on Teaching and Learning in Medical Education, 27.11.–29.11.2025, Opatija. – panel discussion
- Bošković S, Švaljug D, Spevan M, Lekić A, Keglević I, Šegulja S. Assessment of Pain in Newborns Using the Croatian NIPS Scale. International Conference on Nursing and Healthcare (ICNH-25), Lisbon (Portugal), 20–21.09.2025.
- Švaljug D, Jelovica Haupert A. History of Performing Episiotomy. 3rd Midwifery Students’ Congress, Midwife Autonomy in the Management of Physiological Births – with a workshop on manual perineal protection techniques and surgical management of episiotomy and first- and second-degree perineal tears, organized by the Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Studies, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, 05.05.2025. – invited lecture
- Kurbanović M. Manual Perineal Protection. 3rd Midwifery Students’ Congress, Midwife Autonomy in the Management of Physiological Births – with a workshop on manual perineal protection techniques and surgical management of episiotomy and first- and second-degree perineal tears. 05.05.2025, Rijeka. – invited lecture
- Švaljug D. Prenatal Care Programme – Results and Consequences. 2nd Symposium of the Croatian Society of Nurses, Technicians and Midwives, Nursing and Midwifery in the Service of Women’s Health, 19.05.2025, Zagreb. – invited lecture
- Švaljug D, Đido V, Keglević I, Sumpor B, Imamović F, Čolak I. Prenatal Care Programme – Results and Consequences. 2nd Scientific Symposium of the Association for Perinatal Medicine in Bosnia and Herzegovina with international participation, Perinatology through Theory and Practice, 24.–26.04.2025, Ilidža, Bosnia and Herzegovina. – invited lecture
- Kurbanović M, Jelovica Haupert A. Manual Perineal Protection. 2nd Scientific Symposium of the Association for Perinatal Medicine in Bosnia and Herzegovina with international participation, “Perinatology through Theory and Practice”, 24.–26.04.2025, Ilidža. – invited lecture
- Kurbanović M, Savicki D, Šebalj M, Kamenar K, Drandić D. Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Women’s Decisions To Choose Home Births In Croatia, Serbia, And Bosnia And Herzegovina: A Cross-Country Analysis. 7th European Congress on Intrapartum Care – ECIC. Madrid, Spain, 27.03.2025–29.03.2025.
- Švaljug D. Approach to Episiotomy throughout History. 2nd International Scientific Forum entitled Manual Perineal Protection and Perineal Tears with a Practical Skills Workshop, organized by the Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Studies, University of Rijeka, 23.03.2024, Rijeka. – invited lecture
- Svažić K, Švaljug D, Haramina M, Vdović J. The Role of the Midwife in the Prevention of Pelvic Floor Disorders. 4th Postgraduate Course with international participation, Pelvic Medicine, Stubičke Toplice, 09.–10.02.2024. – invited lecture
- Švaljug D. Procedures in Maternity Hospitals: Implementation of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. Proceedings of the Undergraduate Category I Course Contemporary Knowledge on Breastfeeding, 01.02.2024, General Hospital Zabok. – invited lecture
- Kurbanović M. Collaborative Simulation in Medical Education. 2nd Symposium on Medical Education: “How We Teach Skills”, 02.12.2024, Rijeka.
- Bošković S, Spevan M, Malnar D, Švaljug D, Međimurec S. Conscientious Objection of Healthcare Workers – A Fundamental Human Right. Proceedings of the 4th International Symposium of the Association of Health Professionals of Serbia, “Holistic Approach and Innovations in Medical Doctrine”, 17.–19.10.2024, Belgrade.
- Kurbanović M, Drandić D. Factors Associated with Exclusive Breastfeeding at Discharge during the Covid-19 Pandemic in 17 Countries of the WHO European Region. 12th Symposium on Breastfeeding, “Bridging the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All”, organized by the Croatian Association of IBCLC Lactation Consultants, 4.10.2024, Zagreb. – invited lecture
- Kurbanović M. Birth Centres in Croatia – The Future. Congress of the Croatian Chamber of Midwives with international participation, “15 Years of the Croatian Chamber of Midwives”, 13.–14.09.2024, Karlovac. – invited lecture
- Kurbanović M, Zovak J, Kunina B. Current practices and attitudes regarding umbilical cord clamping and cutting among Croatian midwives. Do’s and Don’ts – 1st joint UENPS and EFCNI congress, Best Practice in Neonatal Care for Doctors, Nurses, Midwives and Parents, 3.–5.7.2024, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
- Kurbanović M. Antenatal Expression of Colostrum. Category II course “On Breastfeeding: Evidence-Based”. 9 and 10.04.2024, Osijek. – invited lecture
- Kurbanović M. International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes. Category II course “On Breastfeeding: Evidence-Based”. 9 and 10.04.2024, Osijek. – invited lecture
- Švaljug D. Approach to Episiotomy throughout History. 2nd International Scientific Forum entitled “Manual Perineal Protection and Perineal Tears with a Practical Skills Workshop”, organized by the Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Studies in Rijeka, 23.03.2024. – invited lecture
- Kurbanović M. Manual Techniques of Perineal Protection. 2nd International Scientific Forum entitled “Manual Perineal Protection and Perineal Tears with a Practical Skills Workshop”, organized by the Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Studies in Rijeka, 23.03.2024. – invited lecture
- Keglević I. Midwives’ Attitudes towards Episiotomy. 2nd International Scientific Forum entitled “Manual Perineal Protection and Perineal Tears with a Practical Skills Workshop”, organized by the Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Studies in Rijeka, 23.03.2024. – invited lecture
- Keglević I. Burnout Syndrome – How to Help Yourself. 13th International Congress of the Croatian Nurses Association, “Nursing without Borders”, 23.–24.03.2024, Opatija.
- Keglević I. The Impact of Formal Education on Women’s Fertility. 13th International Congress of the Croatian Nurses Association, “Nursing without Borders”, 23.–24.03.2024, Opatija.
- Svažić K, Švaljug D, Haramina M, Vdović J. The Role of the Midwife in the Prevention of Pelvic Floor Disorders. 4th Postgraduate Course with international participation, Pelvic Medicine, Stubičke Toplice, 09.–10.02.2024. – invited lecture
- Švaljug D. Procedures in Maternity Hospitals: Implementation of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. Proceedings of the Undergraduate Category I Course Contemporary Knowledge on Breastfeeding, 01.02.2024, General Hospital Zabok. – invited lecture
- Švaljug D. The Impact of Midwifery Autonomy on Birth Outcomes. Proceedings of the International Congress “Days of Health Sciences”, marking the 50th anniversary of the University of Sarajevo – Faculty of Health Studies, Sarajevo, 16.12.2023. – invited lecture
- Švaljug D. Satisfaction of Midwifery Students of the Faculty of Health Studies in Rijeka with the Teaching Process during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Proceedings of the 3rd International Congress of the Association of Health Professionals of Serbia, 26.–29.10.2023, Sokobanja, Serbia.
- Keglević I. From Gynaecology to the Battle against Covid. 3rd International Congress and continuing education programme “The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the Functioning of the Health and Educational System”, Association of Health Professionals of Serbia, 26.–29.10.2023, Sokobanja, Serbia.
- Kurbanović M, Švaljug D. The Importance of Midwifery Education in the Implementation of the “Baby-Friendly Hospital” Programme. Proceedings of the Postgraduate Continuing Education Course Baby-Friendly Hospital for Mothers and Children – New Perspectives, General Hospital Zabok, 25.10.2023. – invited lecture
- Kurbanović M, Švaljug D, Malnar D. Collaborative Simulation in Midwifery Education. Proceedings of the 7th Midwives’ Symposium, Faculty of Health Studies, University of Mostar, 22.09.2023.
- Švaljug D, Malnar D, Kurbanović M. Transition from Professional to University-Level Education of Midwives in the Undergraduate Midwifery Study Programme of the Faculty of Health Studies, University of Rijeka. Proceedings of the 7th Midwives’ Symposium, Faculty of Health Studies, University of Mostar, 22.09.2023.
- Švaljug D, Malnar D, Lampret Puž S. Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Teaching in the Undergraduate Midwifery Study Programme of the Faculty of Health Studies in Rijeka. Proceedings of the 7th Midwives’ Symposium, Faculty of Health Studies, University of Mostar, 22.09.2023.
- Vukić V, Štrucelj H, Kurbanović M. Attitude of Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women Towards Human Milk Donation. Breastfeed Med. 2023;18(5):A13. doi: 10.1089/bfm.2023.29239.abstracts, 11.05.2023. – poster presentation
- Kurbanović M. Expression and Collection of Colostrum in the Third Trimester. 7th Symposium on Breastfeeding of the Croatian Association of Breastfeeding Support Groups, “Breast Milk – the Most Precious Resource for Newborns and Young Children”, 31.03.2023, Zagreb. – invited lecture
- Švaljug D. How Far Are We from Europe. International Scientific Forum entitled “Towards the International Day of Midwives – How Far Are We from Europe”, organized by the Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Studies in Rijeka, 28.04.2023. – invited lecture
- Kurbanović M. Midwifery in the Countries of the European Union. International Scientific Forum entitled “Towards the International Day of Midwives – How Far Are We from Europe”, organized by the Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Studies in Rijeka, 28.04.2023. – invited lecture
- Švaljug D, Kurbanović M. Breastfeeding Children with Down Syndrome. 6th Scientific Symposium of Midwives with international participation, “Breastfeeding – What We Know and What We Need to Know”, 16.09.2022, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. – invited lecture
- Kurbanović M, Švaljug D. Antenatal Expression of Colostrum. 6th Scientific Symposium of Midwives with international participation, “Breastfeeding – What We Know and What We Need to Know”, 16.09.2022, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. – invited lecture
- Keglević I. The Importance of Proper Nutrition. 11th Congress of the Croatian Nurses Association with international participation, “Nursing without Borders”, 09.–12.06.2022, Opatija.
- Kurbanović M, Švaljug D. Medicalization of Childbirth and the Role of the Midwifery Model of Care in Demedicalization. Proceedings of the 24th Rijeka Days of Bioethics, Rijeka, 12 and 13.5.2022. – invited lecture
- Kurbanović M. Guidelines for Intrapartum Care in Physiological Childbirth. 45th Symposium of the Croatian Association for the Promotion of Midwifery, 07.05.2022, Kastav.
- Bošković S, Vidović M, Malnar D, Švaljug D. Nursing – Perception in the Public and the Media, Self-Perception and Professional Identity. Proceedings of the International Congress of the Association of Health Professionals of Serbia; Quality of Life of Patients and Health Professionals in the Health Care System, 21 and 22.10.2021.
- Keglević I. From Gynaecology to the Battle against Covid. 9th Congress of the Croatian Nurses Association with international participation, “Nursing without Borders”, 17.–19.06.2021, Opatija.
- Kurbanović M. Ensuring Breastfeeding Support during Crisis Situations. 5th Symposium of the Croatian Association of Breastfeeding Support Groups HUGPD, “Breast Milk – the Most Precious Resource for Newborns and Young Children”, 14.05.2021, Zagreb. – invited lecture
- Kurbanović M. Vacuum Extractor – Viktor Finderle. Project of Midwifery Students of the Faculty of Health Studies, University of Rijeka, “Medical Instruments Then and Now”, 05.05.2021. – invited lecture
- Keglević I. Communication in the Healthcare Team. 8th Congress of the Croatian Nurses Association with international participation, “Nursing without Borders”, 20.–23.08.2020, Opatija.
- Švaljug D, Bošković S, Sumpor B. Non-Pharmacological Methods of Relieving Labour Pain. 1st International Symposium of the Association of Health Professionals of Serbia: Pain as a Medical, Biological, Psychological, Sociological and Cultural Phenomenon, Banja Koviljača, 10.–12.10.2019. – invited lecture
- Švaljug D, Kurbanović M. State and Perspectives of the Development of Community Nursing Care for Mother and Newborn in Croatia. Book of Abstracts of the 5th Symposium of Midwives with international participation, Mostar, 07.06.2019.
- Švaljug D, Malnar D, Bošković S. Midwifery Education and the Role of Mentors in Acquiring Skills at the Faculty of Health Studies, University of Rijeka. 3rd Congress of Midwives of the Republic of Serbia with international participation, “Knowledge, Skills and Empathy – the Trinity of Midwifery”, 24 and 25.05.2019, Belgrade.
- Švaljug D. Preconception care versus unplanned pregnancy – some indicators of the condition in Republic of Croatia. International scientific conference Issues in Preconception Health Care, Faculty of Health Sciences in Ljubljana, Slovenia, Erasmus+ project PrecoNET, 09.–10.05.2019., Book of Abstracts 47–48. – invited lecturer
- Haller H, Karelović D, Švaljug D. Education of Midwives in the Republic of Croatia and Acquisition of Competencies. Book of Abstracts of the scientific meeting with international participation, “Challenges and Perspectives of Midwifery Viewed through the Achieved Level of Education”, Rijeka, 22.03.2019.
- Švaljug D. Specificities and Importance of Proper Nutrition of Pregnant Women. Symposium “Nutrition of Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women – An Important Beginning of Child Nutrition”, Faculty of Health Studies, Rijeka, 21.03.2019.
- Bošković S, Lekić A, Malnar D, Ivanišević K, Švaljug D. Health care mentors competency. 22nd World Nursing Education Conference, Kyoto, Japan, Nurse Care, 2019, Volume 8. – poster presentation
Publications with Students
- Kamenar K, Žakić M, Kurbanović M. Episiotomy Rates during 2022 in Croatia and Slovenia – A Comparative Analysis. Primaljski vjesnik. 2025;37/38:43-46.
- Buljubašić A, Švaljug D, Mudnić Pulje M, Gusar I, Jerković J, Jerončić Tomić I. Knowledge about Fertility in Croatia, Measured with the Croatian Version of the Cardiff Fertility Knowledge Scale (CFKS-Hr), in Relation to Attitudes toward Having a Child and Associated Factors in a Cross-Sectional Survey. Nurs. Rep. 2024, 14, 816-828. Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/2039-4403/14/2/63/pdf
- Buljubašić A, Švaljug D, Mudnić Pulje M, Gusar I, Jerković J, Jerončić Tomić I. Intention to Have a Third Child in Reproductive Age – A Cross-Sectional Study. Hrvat.čas.zdr.znan. 2024;4:6-14. Available at: https://hrcak.srce.hr/en/320449
- Pahor M, Kurbanović M, Skočibušić N. Dietary Habits of Breastfeeding Women. Primaljski vjesnik. 2024;37:36-42.
- Kovač M, Kurbanović M. Antenatal Midwifery Education in Međimurje County. Primaljski vjesnik. 2024;37:16-25.
- Cerovečec H, Tutić Grokša I, Kurbanović M. Experience of Breastfeeding in Public among Breastfeeding Women in Međimurje County. Primaljski vjesnik. 2024;37:6-15
- Kovačić M, Švaljug D. Men’s Knowledge about Childbirth. Primaljski vjesnik, issue 35, November 2023, 28-33.
- Ivšić M, Kurbanović M. Midwives’ Attitudes towards Doulas. Primaljski vjesnik. 2023;35(1):19-24
- Češnjaj M, Švaljug D. Burnout of Midwives in the Workplace. Primaljski vjesnik, issue 33/34, November 2023, 41-47.
- Kamenar K, Žakić M, Kurbanović M. Comparative analysis of episiotomy rates in Croatian and Slovenian hospitals: a stratification according to the volume of births. Book of abstracts: Building skills as a student researcher, International Midwifery Student Conference; 7.5.2024. University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ljubljana.
- Pahor M, Kurbanović M, Skočibušić N. Dietary habits of breastfeeding women. Book of abstracts: Building skills as a student researcher, International Midwifery Student Conference; 7.5.2024. University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ljubljana.
- Tkalac K, Švaljug D. Perinatal Outcomes of Newborns from Twin Pregnancies. Primaljski vjesnik, issue 27/28, January/May 2020, 73-80.
Organisation of Scientific and Professional Conferences
- Scientific Forum FZSRI 2026: “Strategy for the Development of Midwifery in the Republic of Croatia”, organized by the Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Studies, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, 23.01.2026., Rijeka
- 3rd Midwifery Students’ Congress, Midwife Autonomy in the Management of Physiological Births – with a workshop on manual perineal protection techniques and surgical management of episiotomy and first- and second-degree perineal tears, organized by the Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Studies, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, 05.05.2025., Rijeka
- 2nd International Scientific Forum “Manual Perineal Protection and Perineal Tears with a Practical Skills Workshop”, Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Studies, University of Rijeka, 23.03.2024.
- International Scientific Forum “Towards the International Day of Midwives – How Far Are We from Europe”, Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Studies, University of Rijeka, 28.04.2023
- Scientific Meeting with International Participation “Challenges and Perspectives of Midwifery Viewed through the Achieved Level of Education”, Faculty of Health Studies in Rijeka, Rijeka, 22.03.2019