Marissa K Olson, Sarah A MacLean, Ramona Cordero, Ivelisse Tavarez, Angie Álvarez Linarez, Danuary Garcia Navarro, Tatidelmis Garcia, Sonia Esteva Yan, Jamirka Mercedes Reyes, Francisca Vázquez, Susannah Anderson, Andrew P Steenhoff, Anabel Fernández, Maria G Dunn
Despite improvements, there is room for additional progress in anemia screening and treatment.
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate rates of screening, diagnosis, and treatment of anemia in children in Consuelo, Dominican Republic after implementation of quality improvement measures. Introduction: The Niños Primeros en Salud clinic addresses childhood iron deficiency anemia by: screening hemoglobin (Hb) levels, providing iron therapy (IT), and discussing nutrition. In 2015, 30% of children were screened, and rates were 90%, with 51% receiving IT.
METHODS: We reviewed medical records for children ages 6-15 months with at least one clinic visit from 2022-2024.
RESULTS: Of 308 patients, 176 (57%) had a Hb result. 68 (39%) had anemia. Males had a higher rate than females. Of children diagnosed, 45/68 (66%) received IT. Although screening increased, over 1/3 of children were unscreened. Among those screened, rates decreased to 39%. In children diagnosed, IT initiation increased to 63%.
CONCLUSIONS: Despite improvements, there is room for additional progress in anemia screening and treatment.