Hemoglobin level in older adults and the association with nutritional status and use of health services: the Bambuí Project

This study aimed to describe the prevalence of anemia and to evaluate the association between hemoglobin (Hb) level and indicators of nutritional status and health services utilization in an elderly population (≥ 60 years). Of the 1,742 older adults in the baseline of the Bambuí cohort, 1,441 (82.7%...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Cadernos de saúde pública 2012-11, Vol.28 (11), p.2085-2094
Main Authors: Silva, Clarice Lima Álvares da, Lima-Costa, Maria Fernanda, Firmo, Josélia Oliveira Araújo, Peixoto, Sérgio Viana
Format: Article
Language:Portuguese
Subjects:
Adult Care Services
Adults
Age Factors
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Anemia - blood
Anemia - diagnosis
Anemia - epidemiology
Biomarkers - blood
Body Mass Index
Body Weight
Brazil - epidemiology
Cohort Studies
Elderly
Female
Health Care Services
Health Care Utilization
Health Services Accessibility
Health Services for the Aged - statistics & numerical data
Hemoglobin A - analysis
Humans
Male
Malnutrition
Medical service
Middle Aged
Nutritional Status
Old age
Physicians
Prevalence
Public health
Serum Albumin - analysis
Sex
Sex Differences
Socioeconomic Factors
Women
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Summary:This study aimed to describe the prevalence of anemia and to evaluate the association between hemoglobin (Hb) level and indicators of nutritional status and health services utilization in an elderly population (≥ 60 years). Of the 1,742 older adults in the baseline of the Bambuí cohort, 1,441 (82.7%) were included. The dependent variable was Hb level, and the independent variables were number of hospitalizations and physician visits in the previous 12 months, body mass index (BMI), and serum albumin. Multivariate linear regression was performed, stratified by gender and adjusted for confounding factors. Prevalence of anemia was low (4.5%), with no difference by gender, and higher in the oldest old (10.2%). Low Hb level was associated with more physician visits and lower serum albumin and BMI in both men and women, suggesting a complex cycle between low Hb level, malnutrition, and medical care that should be considered when structuring health programs for the elderly.
ISSN:0102-311X
1678-4464
DOI:10.1590/S0102-311X2012001100008