Health and Hygiene Conditions in the Zagreb - Prigorje Country Region in the First Half of the 20th Century

Based on the original archival material of the Gracani - Remete administrative municipality, parish annals and school records, this paper holds analyses of health and hygiene conditions of the Zagreb - Prigorje region. The analysis includes the period from before World War I until the end of the Interwar period and the start of World War II. Settlements on the south side of Medvednica have, in the first half of the 20th century, always had a distinct rural character, but due to the vicinity of Zagreb, had gradually started accepting an urban pattern of behavior, along with the modernization it brought along. It then reflected as infrastructural development, primarily the electrification of certain villages, as well as the introduction of water supply networks. The construction of brick houses and a gradual introduction of certain minimum hygiene standards brought along living condition improvements. The meteorological conditions influenced agriculture and cattle breeding and thus the residents' diet. The city's vicinity favored increased healthcare, which was especially evident in the 30s, when health municipalities started to function, and when the local electrification of certain villages, as well as the introduction of water supply networks. The construction of brick houses and a gradual introduction of certain minimum hygiene standards brought along living condition improvements. The meteorological conditions influenced agriculture and cattle breeding and thus the residents' diet. The city's vicinity favored increased healthcare, which was especially evident in the 30s, when health municipalities started to function, and when the local populace developed a trust towards conventional medicine and doctors. Tradition in general, and traditional medicine, however, still had a strong influence and was present as an everyday means of treatment, especially in older generations. In accordance with the above, it can be concluded that the general state of health in the Zagreb - Prigorje region and the hygiene habits of its residents were being improved at the end of the Interwar period.