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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
C. Dayle Darr, School of Public Health, Ohio State University, M-120 Starling Loving Hall, 320 W. 10th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, 614-292-3539, cddarr@excite.com and Barbara J. Polivka, Phd, RN, College of Nursing, Ohio State University, 1585 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210.
Screening for lead poisoning in children receiving Medicaid is federally mandated at ages 12 and 24 months, yet only about one-third of Ohio’s eligible children are screened. The purpose of this study was to determine barriers to blood lead screening from the perspectives of a random sample of Ohio Medicaid providers. A self-administered questionnaire was designed to assess lead risk-assessment practices, blood lead screening practices, and barriers to lead screening. Preliminary results (n=100) revealed respondents were primarily physicians (77%) with pediatric (45%) or family practice (42%) specialties. Nearly one-half (49%) reported serving families from high-risk areas of lead exposure, while 12% were unsure as to their patients’ risk status. Forty-two percent stated they “always” administer a blood lead test on 12 month olds, whereas only 24% “always” screen 24 month olds. The primary barriers to lead screening from the provider’s perspective were: parents refusing to have their child tested (62%); parents not complying with a blood lead screening order (51%); and inability to provide on-site blood lead testing (50%). Interestingly, 56% also reported being prompted by parents to obtain a blood lead test. Providers reported they received the majority of their information on lead poisoning from local (79%) and state (72%) health departments, yet 73% were unaware of PLANET (Pediatric Lead Awareness NETwork), Ohio Department of Health’s lead education resource for health care professionals. This study suggests barriers to the blood lead screening process are multifactorial and public health efforts should be aimed at dissolving disparities within the system.
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.