Screening for anemia in childhood: A theoretical-practical relationship between medical semiology and university extension action
Keywords:
Medical Semiology, University Extension, Interdisciplinarity, Anemia in childhoodAbstract
Iron deficiency anemia is the most common form of anemia in childhood and is due to a deficiency of iron in the body. The symptoms of this type of anemia in children can range from pallor of the skin and mucous membranes to delayed cognitive and physical development. The practice of medical semiology plays a crucial role in the screening and diagnosis of anemia in childhood, involving the careful analysis of the signs and symptoms presented by the patient, the taking of a complete medical history and a thorough physical examination. The aim of this study is to present the experience of university extension in applying medical semiology to screening for anemia in children enrolled in a nursery school in the municipality of Cabedelo-PB. The study is an experience report carried out between April and June 2022 with medical students. Given the perception of the high prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in children, an extension project was designed to screen for this pathology and refer children in need of a confirmatory diagnosis to health units for blood tests. The students taking part in the extension applied their theoretical knowledge of medical semiology, with the help of a hematologist lecturer, assessing skin and mucous membrane pallor, heart rate and capillary fragility. It was noticeable that the theoretical-practical relationship played a fundamental role in medical training, enabling the integration of knowledge, the development of clinical skills, a basis for decision-making and better quality of care for the community. Thus, university extension provides the opportunity to get involved in practical activities and services to the community, providing experience in real contexts, teamwork skills, developing communication skills and empathy, broadening the view of health and its determinants, as well as strengthening the sense of social responsibility.
