Anemia frequency in geriatric patients receiving home health care: A retrospective study

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to investigate the frequency and causes of anemia in geriatric patients registered in the Home Health Services Unit of our hospital and to apply appropriate treatment regimens according to the etiology. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted between 15.03.2022 and 15.03.2023. The files of 282 patients who received service from the Home Health Services Unit between August 1, 2020 and November 30, 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. Geriatric patients who had laboratory tests requested in the last 6 months were included. Socio-demographic data of the patients, chronic diseases, and the number of chronic diseases were recorded. The World Health Organization criteria were considered for the diagnosis of anemia. The causes are grouped as anemia due to iron deficiency, chronic renal failure, vitamin B12 deficiency, folic acid deficiency, and other anemias. Results: A total of 282 individuals, 198 (70.2%) women, were included in the study. The mean age of the participants is 79.2±11.06 years, 218 (77.3%) of them live in rural areas. 33.7% of the patients have 3 chronic diseases. Anemia was detected in 176 (62.4%) patients. 44.9% of the participants had anemia due to chronic renal failure, 28.4% had anemia due to iron deficiency, 13.1% had anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency, 13.1% had anemia due to folate deficiency, and 26.1% had unclassified anemia. The presence of anemia was significantly higher in patients with a diagnosis of malignancy and in participants with 4 or more chronic diseases. Conclusion: This study shows that anemia is a common health problem in geriatric patients receiving home health care. In this population, effective management of the process by detecting anemia in individuals screened with regular visits as a result of continuous care in home health care, conducting research on the etiology, and controlling comorbidities may be important steps to improve the patient's quality of life. We recommend that physicians dealing with geriatric patients keep in mind the importance of detecting and managing anemia in their patients and organize their routine examinations in this perspective.