Development of promotion and prevention of anemia in early childhood. Lahan Sai District Buriram Province.

Abstract

     An action research design, based on the Kemmis and McTaggart framework of planning, action, observation, and reflection, was employed from October 2023 to September 2024. The participants consisted of 12 stakeholders in early childhood development, from whom qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews, and 127 infants aged 6–12 months attending well-child clinics, from whom quantitative data on history, nutrition, and hematocrit (Hct) levels were obtained. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and Paired t-test, with statistical significance set at p<0.05.

     The findings revealed key facilitating factors, including district-level policy support, multidisciplinary collaboration, and improved parental knowledge. The systemic intervention increased anemia screening coverage from 65% to 100% (p<0.001), reduced the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia from 24.7% to 13.5% (p=0.02), and improved treatment coverage for anemic children from 72% to 100% (p<0.001). The mean Hct increased from 29.5% to 33.5% (p=0.03). Developmental screening identified 38 children with suspected delays, all of whom received complete follow-up and intervention.