Population Research Center

Anemia is typically thought of as a nutritional outcome, with a corresponding policy focus on improving nutrient intake. PRC faculty research associates Diane Coffey, Michael Geruso, and Dean Spears convincingly show that the disease environment affects nutrient absorption. Therefore, interventions to address anemia should also focus on reducing parasitic infections that are transmitted through open defecation. They make the case that policy makers interested in reducing anemia in developing countries should also prioritize reducing open defecation.