Iron deficiency anemia: Knowledge of those responsible for children 0-6 years and of health professionals

Abstract

Objective: Knowledge of those responsible for children 0-6 years and of health professionals about iron deficiency anemia was evaluated. Methods: This prospective, transversal descriptive study was conducted at Family Health Strategy and Primary Healthcare Units which were selected due to the higher number of notified cases of iron deficiency anemia according to data collected at the Municipal Health Secretariat of the central region of RS. Those responsible for children 0-6 years, nurses, nurse technicians, doctors and community health workers were interviewed. The survey was performed via application of questionnaires and data were presented in relative frequency. Results: Seventy-eight people responsible for the children were interviewed, mostly mothers (69%), with an average age of 33±12 years; the majority lived in the urban area (86%), 38% received up to one minimum wage, 56% had completed high school and most of their children did not have iron deficiency anemia (79%). Results showed that those responsible for the children were aware of anemia, excepting with respect to the foods which inhibit iron absorption. Such finding may have influenced the low prevalence of anemia in their children. The professionals also demonstrated knowledge about anemia, with the exception of some who could not answer about the treatment and the tests for early diagnosis, besides not providing dietary guidelines about the disease. Final considerations: In conclusion, most of the studied population knows about iron deficiency anemia, although some of the surveyed professionals need to obtain higher levels of formal training to improve their technical skills.