Anemia is Associated with Mortality and Higher Hospitalization Rates in Elderly Patients Receiving Home Care: A Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Aim: Our study aims to evaluate the relationship of anemia with all-cause hospitalization and mortality in elderly patients receiving home care. Methods: Our study was designed as a prospective cohort and was carried out with patients aged 65 and above who received home care services. Demographic data of the participants, chronic diseases, drug utilization, activities of daily living, and laboratory tests were recorded. Our research was completed by recording the number of hospitalizations due to all causes and mortality data in the year following the recording of the patient data. Results: In total, 341 patients were included in our study. The mean age was 80.62±8.74. Anemia prevalence was specified to be 65.4% (n=223). During the one-year follow-up period, 157 (46.0%) patients were hospitalized at least once. Mortality developed at a rate of 20.2% (n=69). After adjusting for confounding factors, it was determined that anemia was associated with hospitalization and mortality. A weak negative and significant correlation was determined between the hemoglobin concentration in the blood and the one-year hospitalization frequency. In patients who developed mortality, blood hemoglobin concentration was found to be significantly lower. Conclusion: Anemia was detected to be independently associated with hospitalization and mortality in elderly patients receiving home care. As the hemoglobin concentration in the blood decreases in the elderly group, the rate of hospitalization increases. Patients who develop mortality have significantly lower hemoglobin levels than those who survive. Keywords: anemia, home care services, aged, mortality, hospitalization