Prevalence and Associated Factors of Anemia Among Elderly Patients at Jigjiga University Sheikh Hassan Yabare Referral Hospital, Somali Region, Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Anemia is a prevalent condition in geriatrics and its frequency proportionately increases with age and has a much more severe consequences. In these patients, anemia is now recognized as a risk factor for a variety of negative outcomes: hospitalization, morbidity, and mortality. There is limited information regarding the prevalence of anemia and its associated risk factors among elderly patients in the study area (Jigjiga, eastern Ethiopia). Therefore, this study is aimed to assess the prevalence of anemia and its associated factor among elderly patients at Jigjiga University Sheikh Hassan Yabere Referral Hospital. Objective: To determine the prevalence and associated factors of anemia among elderly patients at Jigjiga University Sheikh Hassan Yabare Referral Hospital from June 20 to July 30, 2022. Methods: An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from June 20 to July 30, 2022, recruiting 381 elderly patients by employing convenient sampling technique. Socio demographic and clinical data were collected through direct interview and review of medical records using a structured questionnaire. Four milliliters (4ml) of venous blood sample was collected from each study participant and analyzed for complete blood count. A stained blood smear and red blood cell indices was used to determine the morphological type of anemia. Descriptive statistical analysis, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were done using SPSS version 25; p<0.05 was considered as statistically significance. Result: The overall prevalence of anemia among elderly patients in this area was 40.4%. Mild, moderate and severe anemia accounted for 71%, 23.1% and 5.8%, respectively. Morphologic classification of the anemia demonstrated that, 55.13% were normocytic normochromic, 37.18% were microcytic hypochromic and 7.69% was macrocytic normochromic anemia. Age [p=0.009], sex [p=0.003], lower socioeconomic status [p=0.001], and less than once a week of meat consumption [0.015], were significantly associated with anemia in elderly patients. Conclusion and recommendation: The prevalence of anemia among elderly patients is found 40.4%. Mild anemia was the predominant type. Identified risk factors should be considered for prevention and control of anemia among elderly patients and also screening for anemia among elderly should be a part of their routine management