Prevalence and associated factors of anemia among elderly patients at a tertiary hospital in Estern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: As anemia is a prevalent condition in geriatrics and old age and its frequency proportionately increases with age, leading to severe consequences; any magnitude of it is now recognized as a risk factor for any adverse outcomes: decreased quality-of-life, hospitalization, morbidity, and mortality. Despite its clinical importance, the problem is not widely recognized. Therefore, regular surveillance could provide evidence-based local data required for interventions. This study is aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of anemia among elderly patients in eastern Ethiopia. Methods: From June 20 to July 30, 2022, a cross-sectional study centered in an institution was carried out, enrolling 381 elderly patients. Direct interviewing and review of medical records were used to gather socio-demographic and clinical data. Each participant provided a venous blood sample to determine total blood cell count and blood peripheral film examination; to identify hemoparasites and the morphological type of anemia. Using SPSS version 25, descriptive statistical analysis and bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used, and statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Result: Anemia was seen in 40.4% of participants, mild, moderate, and severe anemia accounts for 71.1%, 23.1%, and 5.8%, respectively. Normocytic normochromic anemia was seen in 55.13% of cases, and microcytic hypochromic in 37.18%. The anemia was substantially correlated with being male [AOR=0.352 95% CI: 0.174, 0.708], having a lower socioeconomic status [AOR=0.041 95% CI: 0.011, 0.156], and eating meat less than once per week [AOR=0.301 95% CI: 0.114, 0.793]. Conclusion and recommendation: The prevalence of anemia among elderly patients in this area was found to be a severe public health problem. Mild anemia was the predominant type. Identified risk factors should be considered to prevent and control anemia, and screening for anemia among the elderly should be a part of their routine management.