Iron deficiency is not the main contributor to anemia in older Mexican adults: results from the National Health and Nutrition Survey 2018-19

Abstract

Objective. To describe the current status of anemia and iron deficiency (ID), as well as associated sociodemographic characteristics, in older adults (OA). Materials and meth­ods. Serum and capillary blood samples from a sample of OA participants (n=2 902) from the Ensanut 2018-19 were analyzed. ID was defined as s-ferritin<15 μg/L, and anemia was defined according to World Health Organization stan­dards. Logistic regression models were used to associate the characteristics of OA with anemia and ID. Results. Of the OA analyzed, anemia was present in 28.4%, ID in 5% and iron deficiency anemia in 2.07%. Diabetes (OR=2.14), renal insuf­ficiency (OR=10.4), higher age, and urban dwelling (OR=1.35) were conditions associated with higher odds for anemia (p<0.05). Belonging to the 70-79 year age group was the only condition associated with higher odds for ID (OR=1.86, p<0.05). Conclusions. Anemia affects a high proportion of OA, and ID is not the main contributor to anemia. Chronic comorbidities help explain the anemia problem in OA.