Using mobile phones to screen for anemia in young children in Kenya
Official title: Mobile phone-based screening for anemia in young children in western Kenya
Funded at Rhode Island Hospital · NIH-10752968 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new mobile phone app that helps find out if young children in western Kenya have anemia, making it easier and cheaper for families to get their little ones the help they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rhode Island Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2023 |
| Project end | August 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $383,192 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD110154-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10752968 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young children under the age of five living in western Kenya, particularly those at risk for anemia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside of the targeted age group or geographic area, or those without risk factors for anemia, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a mobile phone-based screening tool to identify anemia in young children in western Kenya. By leveraging technology, the project seeks to provide an accessible and cost-effective method for diagnosing anemia, which is a significant health issue in low- and middle-income countries. The approach focuses on children under five years old, who are particularly vulnerable to the effects of anemia. The study will assess the feasibility of this screening method and its potential to improve health outcomes for affected children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and treatment of anemia in young children, significantly improving their health and development.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using mobile technology for health screenings, indicating that this approach could be effective in addressing anemia.
Where this research is happening
-
Rhode Island Hospital
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcgann, Patrick Thomas — Rhode Island Hospital
- Study coordinator: Mcgann, Patrick Thomas
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.