Provider Lead Testing Among Children Under Six Through GIS Mapping and Analysis in Sedgwick County, Kansas

Abstract

Childhood lead exposure remains a preventable public health issue with persistent inequities related to housing, health care access, and surveillance practices. This project examined childhood blood lead testing patterns in Sedgwick County, Kansas to identify geographic and provider-level opportunities for targeted prevention and outreach. Using secondary surveillance data reported to the Sedgwick County Health Department from 2022–2025, blood lead test records were cleaned, summarized, and analyzed using geographic information system mapping to assess testing distribution by provider ZIP Code. The analysis identified substantial variation in testing by year, specimen type, provider specialty, and geographic location. Testing was concentrated within a limited number of provider facility ZIP Codes, reflecting the distribution of health care infrastructure rather than residential risk patterns. Capillary specimens accounted for most reported tests, and pediatric and family medicine providers submitted many records, while unknown or out-of-county providers highlighted challenges in surveillance completeness. To complement surveillance findings, a structured survey was developed to assess medical providers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to childhood lead testing and prevention. Although not distributed during the project period, the instrument is prepared for future implementation. Overall, this project demonstrates how surveillance data and geographic information system mapping can guide place-based prevention strategies and support data-driven childhood lead prevention efforts in Sedgwick County.