Abstract

Background: Anemia in the elderly can lead to wide variety of complications as it is associated with increase in mortality and morbidity.

Objectives: The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among the elderly in rural Puducherry, South India.

Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was done among 236 elderly during May–June 2017. Information regarding sociodemographic, behavioral, and morbidity profile was collected using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Digital hemoglobinometer was used to assess the hemoglobin level and the World Health Organization recommended cutoff was used to diagnose and categorize anemia.

Results: Among 236 participants, mean (standard deviation) age was 67.9 (7.8) years. About 65.7% were females; 50% were practicing open-air defecation; 19.5% were current tobacco users, and 14.8% were current alcohol users; less than half were taking green leafy vegetables regularly; 46.3% of the elderly belonged to overweight and obese category. Regarding the morbidity profile, osteoarthritis was the most common morbidity among the participants followed by cataract. The prevalence of anemia among elderly participants was found to be 85.6% (95% confidence interval: 80.5%–89.5%). Majority of them belonged to moderate category. None of the factors explored in the study showed significant association with anemia.

Conclusion: The current study found that almost nine in ten elderly in rural areas were anemic. Prevalence was slightly higher among the participants in higher age group, females, and those who practicing open-air defecation. Hence, it is important to identify these target population and develop appropriate intervention strategies to prevent anemia among the elderly.

Key words: Aged; Anemia; Epidemiology; Morbidity