Promotion and Prevention of Iron-deficiency Anemia in Early Childhood

Abstract

This study is a part of “Thai Childhood Development holistic Model”. This descriptive research used the CIPP Model to examine iron supplement in preschool children policy. Research instruments were semi-structured interview and in-depth interview questions with directors, service providers and clients from 24 provinces in 12 health regions. Information from the interviews were used to draft the anemia surveillance system in childhood and study the promotion and prevention of iron-deficiency anemia in early childhood in four provinces representing each region. Data were analysed using descriptive and content analyses on CIPP model.

Results showed that 1) the operation of iron supplement in preschool children under context evaluation: directors and service providers agreed to the iron supplements policy, yet clinics did not dispense iron supplements; input evaluation: directors and service providers understood that the iron supplements were under the NHSO’s benefits among children ages 6 months-2 years with health volunteers followed up with child caregivers to receive the supplements at clinics and the children received the supplements at child care centers; process evaluation: most clinics could not dispense iron supplements for service recipients, had unclear operational guidelines and data collection and analysis of child anemia in the area; product evaluation: most of directors and service providers were unclear about the iron supplement situations and there were no report nor follow-ups in the areas and children were not covered by the supplements; and 2) the promotion and prevention of iron deficiency anemia in preschool children before and after intervention showed a significant difference at the 0.05 level.