Anaemia and Its Associated Factors among Geriatric Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Open Access

Abstract

Introduction: Anaemia is a common and clinically significant condition in older adults, associated with increased morbidity, functional decline, and reduced quality of life. Its development in the elderly is multifactorial, influenced by chronic diseases, nutritional deficiencies, medication use, and socioeconomic factors. This study aims to assess anaemia and its associated factors among geriatric patients in a tertiary care hospital. Methods & Materials: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Medicine at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College, Sylhet, Bangladesh, from March to August 2017. A total of 384 patients were selected as study subjects. Data were analysed using SPSS version 16. Result: Hypertension (38%) and diabetes mellitus (24.2%) were the most common comorbidities, while chronic PUD, CKD, and chronic lung disease were also frequent. Proton pump inhibitors (40.9%) and antithrombotic medications (19.8%) were commonly used. Over one-third had a history of smoking (37.8%), whereas alcohol and drug use were rare. Anaemia affected 172 patients, with severe anaemia (<10 g/dL) more frequent in females (31.3% vs 24.6%), though age and sex were not significantly associated with anaemia. Conclusion: This study shows that anaemia in geriatric patients is influenced by socioeconomic vulnerability, multiple chronic illnesses, and the use of medications such as PPIs and antithrombotics. Although no significant association with age or sex was found, severe anaemia was more frequent in females.