TITLE:
Comparative Analysis of Community-Based Management of Anemia in Children before and during the COVID Pandemic
AUTHORS:
Kamo Sélangaï Doka Hélène, Mekone Nkwele Isabelle, Jeannette Epée Ngoué, Tony Nengom Jocelyn, Zenabou Tena, Zomene Franc, Ngo Um Sap Suzanne
KEYWORDS:
Anemia, COVID-19, Community, Management
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pediatrics,
Vol.12 No.4,
September
13,
2022
ABSTRACT: Introduction: In low-income countries, severe anemia represents a
significant risk of mortality. It is
generally the consequence of a lack of correct community-based management of mild and moderate anemia
and its etiologies. Our study aimed
to evaluate the community practice in confronting anemia by mothers of children
aged 0 - 5 years old before and during the COVID-19 period. Methods: We
conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study in two phases at the pediatric
ward of the regional hospital of Ngaoundere in Cameroon; before the
period of the COVID-19 pandemic from December 2018 to May 2019 and during the
pandemic period from December 2020 to May 2021. It was a volunteer sample. Were
included in this study all mothers of children aged 0 - 5 years present in the
pediatric ward at the time of the survey who agreed to freely answer our
questionnaire. Results: Of the 152 mothers surveyed in the “Before COVID-19”
group, 69% went to a health facility when they suspected their children were anemic, 20% gave grenadine
juice (Red colored soda), 7% went to marabous, 2% bought street medicines and
2% used other home-made potions. Of the 92 mothers included in the “During
COVID-19” group, the majority did not go to a health facility: 36% gave
grenadine juice and other potions, 26% went to marabouts, 23% bought medicines
from the street and only 13% went to a health facility; 2% did nothing. The
average Group rank is not statistically
significantly different between the before and during the COVID-19
periods (p = 0.89). Conclusion: Community behavior and practice in
confronting anemia deteriorated during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the majority
of mothers resorting to non-effective out-of-hospital solutions. The consequence can be an increase in infant mortality. While
waiting for the end of the pandemic, it is judicious and urgent to
review the whole health system in Africa and especially in countries with limited resources. We propose developing multiple
advanced strategies to promote community visits to prevent anemia and to
develop anticipatory management of anemia as well as all the main child-killing pathologies.