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A Point-of-Care Method with Integrated Decision Support Tool to Estimate Anemia at Population Level
Published on: January 19, 2024
[Integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI) for iron deficiency in children]
Diana F López1, María V Benjumea
1Departamento Materno Infantil, Universidad de Caldas, Hospital Infantil Universitario Rafael Henao Toro, Manizales, Colombia. dianafer2722@yahoo.com
Insights
The Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) strategy was not followed for preventing, detecting, or treating iron deficiency in young children at a Colombian clinic. This highlights gaps in pediatric iron deficiency management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Iron deficiency is a significant global health concern in children under five.
- The Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) strategy aims to provide comprehensive care for common childhood illnesses.
- Effective implementation of IMCI is crucial for managing nutritional deficiencies like iron deficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the implementation of the IMCI strategy for iron deficiency prevention, detection, and treatment.
- To assess the prevalence of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in children under five.
- To identify gaps in care provided by health professionals regarding iron deficiency management.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted with 310 children aged 6 to 71 months.
- Iron deficiency prevalence and IMCI implementation were assessed.
- Data were collected from health professionals and accompanying individuals.
Main Results:
- Iron deficiency, particularly without anemia, was prevalent.
- Iron deficiency was the cause of anemia in half of the affected children.
- Dietary prevention advice for anemia was rarely provided and often incorrect.
Conclusions:
- The study found that the IMCI strategy guidelines were not adequately followed for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of iron deficiency anemia.
- There are critical areas for improvement in the clinical management of iron deficiency in young children within the studied healthcare setting.
- Reinforcement of IMCI protocols for nutritional deficiencies is recommended.
Objective:
Evaluating implementing the integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI) strategy in the prevention, detection and treatment of iron deficiency in children aged less than 5 who were treated at ASSBASALUD's Clinica La Asunción in Manizales, Colombia, during 2007.
Methods:
This was a cross-sectional study of 310 children aged 6 to 71 months who attended the first-level Clinica La Asunción in Manizales. Iron deficiency prevalence was evaluated in the children, as was IMCI implementation for prevention, diagnosis and treatment by health professionals responsible for child-care at that centre.
Results:
Most children were aged less than 24 months, came within category 2 in the Identification and Classification System for Potential Beneficiaries for Social Programmes (SISBEN) and had been treated by Growth and Development section nurses. Children suffering from iron deficiency without anaemia accounted for most of those affected by iron deficiency. In half the population suffering anaemia this was due to iron deficiency; anaemia prevalence was higher than other types of infection-associated anaemia. For every child suffering iron deficiency-related anaemia, almost three had iron deficiency. Only six people accompanying the children being studied said that they had received indications for the dietary prevention of anaemia and this was wrong in half of the cases.
Conclusion:
These results showed that when caring for children aged less than five, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency anaemia did not follow the guidelines provided by the IMCI strategy.
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