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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
A Point-of-Care Method with Integrated Decision Support Tool to Estimate Anemia at Population Level
Published on: January 19, 2024
Community-based screening for infantile anemia in an okinawan village, Japan
Tomiko Hokama1, Chiemi Yogi, Colin W Binns
1Graduate School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, 207 Uehara, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0215, Japan.
Insights
Community screening effectively reduced anemia prevalence in infants. This study in Okinawa found low rates in early childhood, indicating successful prevention strategies for infantile anemia.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Hematology
Background:
- Infancy represents a critical developmental stage highly susceptible to anemia globally.
- Community-based screening programs for infantile anemia are infrequently documented.
- Anemia in infants poses significant health risks, necessitating effective prevention and management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To ascertain the prevalence of anemia in infants within an Okinawan village.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of secondary prevention measures for infantile anemia.
- To analyze anemia rates across different infant age groups.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional surveys involving 3070 infants aged 3-5, 6-12, and 16-23 months.
- A retrospective cohort study with 511 infants to corroborate findings.
- Data collection occurred between 2003 and 2008 in a specific Okinawan village.
Main Results:
- Anemia prevalence in cross-sectional surveys: 12.3% (3-5 months), 15.8% (6-12 months), and 4.2% (16-23 months).
- Anemia prevalence in retrospective cohort: 11.0% (3-5 months), 17.2% (6-12 months), and 3.9% (16-23 months).
- A notable decrease in prevalence was observed in the 16-23 month age group.
Conclusions:
- The observed low prevalence of anemia in early childhood suggests successful early and late infantile screening and treatment.
- Community-based screening and intervention programs appear effective in managing and preventing infantile anemia.
- Continued monitoring and targeted interventions are crucial for maintaining low anemia rates in infants.
Abstract:
Infancy is a vulnerable age group for anemia throughout the world. However, community-based screening for infantile anemia is seldom reported. This study determined the prevalence of anemia among infants in an Okinawan village from 2003 to 2008, in relation to secondary prevention of the condition. The prevalence among infants aged 3-5, 6-12 and 16-23 months was 12.3%, 15.8%, and 4.2%, respectively, based on cross-sectional surveys (n = 3070), and was 11.0%, 17.2%, and 3.9% according to another retrospective cohort study (n = 511). The relatively low prevalence of anemia at early childhood suggested that previous detection and treatment through early and late infantile screening had been successful.
