RESUMEN
Background: Pediatric anemia is a global phenomenon. The magnitude of this problem gets exaggerated in developing countries like India wherein majority of the population are vulnerable since they live in rural areas and come under low socio-economic status. Though pediatric anemias can be diagnosed by simple blood tests like complete hemogram and peripheral smear examination, the evaluation of underlying etiological factor to initiate appropriate therapy involves expensive work up which may not be affordable in a rural setup. This need-based study of pediatric anemia was conducted to determine the morphological patterns of anemia by simple baseline investigations and to detect the related etiologic factor. Methodology: The probable etiological factors contributing to the anemias were diagnosed by determining the morphological patterns using simple baseline investigations like complete hemogram and peripheral blood examination and treated accordingly. Conclusion: The etiology of microcytic hypochromic anemia was found out to be iron deficiency as confirmed by serum iron profile studies. Presence of dimorphic anemia suggested combined nutritional deficiency of Iron, vitamin B12 deficiency or folate. Hemolytic anemias detected by routine hematological investigations were confirmed by serum electrophoresis. Morphological examination of red blood cells on peripheral smear examination is thus an effective, simple and cost effective method to determine the etiology of various types of anemia.
RESUMEN
Objective This paper aims to make clear the post-disaster medical needs of residents in the disaster areas and changes among the poor population, for the purpose of policy recommendations on post-disaster medical assistance. Methods Such methods as in-home questionnaire survey and literature study were used to study the income, prevalence rate and mental health of 4 380 households in 10 counties (cities and districts) in the disaster areas. Results In the hardest hit areas, 80. 4% and 52. 8% of residents in rural and urban areas are dependent on government relief respectively;the proportion of poor population resulting from the disaster rose from 5% before the disaster to over 75% afterwards in the hard-hit areas, while such a population rose to 15% in the hardest-hit areas and about 10% in general disaster areas;It is estimated that the new medical aid funds in Sichuan Province will reach 350 million yuan, two-fold that of the budget for 2009;In the hardest hit areas, the two-week prevalence rate per thousand people is twice that found in the third survey of health services in 2003, characterized of acute respiratory illness and rheumatoid;In the hardest-hit areas, nearly 70% of the residents are exposed to high mental health risks. Conclusion Recommendations: Strengthening the raising and use of medical aid fund;dynamic management for the population in need of post-disaster medical aid;Developing appropriate medical aid packages to fit post-disaster health needs and postdisaster disease characteristics;and consolidating the connection between medical aid and primary medical insurance system.