Best Practices for the Prevention and Treatment of Microcytic Hypochromic Anemia in Infancy

Background: Microcytic hypochromic anemia is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world. This type of anemia is commonly found during infancy due to the lack of iron-fortified foods after six months of age. The effects linked to this deficiency can cause developmental delays and behavioral disturbances in infants if not treated immediately. Therefore, it is important for nurses to find the best practices to prevent microcytic hypochromic anemia to decrease its prevalence in infancy. Objective: To find the best nursing practices for the prevention and treatment of microcytic hypochromic anemia in infancy. Methods: This research will utilize a literature review relating to preventative measures for microcytic hypochromic anemia in infants. Findings: The preventative measures for this anemia includes dietary prevention, proper breastfeeding, parental knowledge, and delayed cord clamping. It is important for health care professionals, especially nurses, to give appropriate education on these measures to parents and caregivers in order to decrease the incidence of microcytic hypochromic anemia in infants. Proposal: A quantitative quasi-experimental study will be proposed in order to find the best practices for nurses to prevent and treat microcytic hypochromic anemia during infancy. Keywords: microcytic hypochromic anemia, iron deficiency anemia, infancy, treatment, prevention