HOSPITALIZATIONS FOR IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA IN ELDERLY IN BRAZIL BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze hospitalizations due to iron deficiency anemia in the elderly before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This is an ecological time-series study using data from the Hospital Information System of the Unified Health System (SIH/SUS), using Prais-Winsten regression. Between 2017 and 2023, 42,805 hospitalizations due to iron deficiency anemia in the elderly were reported in Brazil. The annual coefficient increased in the country during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, going from 21 cases per 100,000 elderly people in 2017 to 24 per 100,000 in 2023, showing a steady trend (-0.5%; p=0.176). The analysis of the hospitalization coefficient and the trend by region showed an increase in the North (1.5%; p = 0.040) and Central-West (1.1%; p = 0.049) regions, and stationary in the other regions. Hospitalization and mortality rates were higher in males (22.8 to 26.0 cases/100,000; 7.4 to 6.58%), in the age group of 80 years or older (53.6 to 60.0 cases/100,000; 8.09 to 7.58%), in emergency care (19.3 to 21.8/100,000; 6.96 to 6.54%). It is possible to conclude that hospitalizations due to iron deficiency anemia in the elderly in the country increased, mainly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, predominating among men over 80 years of age. Thus, health restrictions, reduced income, viral infection, low intake of iron-rich foods and difficulties in accessing health services during the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to this increase. Thus, the importance of public policies aimed at the health, well-being and quality of life of the elderly population is highlighted, in order to reduce hospitalization and mortality rates in the country.