Prevalence and risk factors of preoperative anemia in patients undergoing elective orthopedic procedures in Northwest Ethiopia: a multicenter prospective observational cohort study

BACKGROUND: Preoperative anemia is a common hematologic problem in major orthopedic surgery in developing countries. It is a condition in which the number and size of red blood cells are insufficient to meet the body’s physiologic needs, consequently impairing the capacity of the blood to transport oxygen to the body. Preoperative anemia is common in elective orthopedic surgical patients and is an independent risk factor for perioperative morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess preoperative anemia prevalence and risk factors in patients undergoing elective orthopedic procedures. METHOD: A multicenter prospective observational cohort study was conducted from June 01 to August 30, 2022. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select the study unit. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were expressed in percentages and presented with tables and figures. Binary logistic regression was used to see the association between independent and dependent variables. A P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULT: Preoperative anemia’s prevalence and risk factors in patients undergoing elective orthopedic procedures was 24.1[95%CI= (18.2–30.6)]. Multivariable logistic analyses showed that low monthly income level [AOR:5,95%CI:(1.36–7.98)], patient with cancer [AOR:3.4,95%CI:(3.7–8.84)], patient with malaria infectious [AOR: 3.2,95%CI:( 1.13–8.91)], patient with anti-retroviral therapy [AOR: 5.2,95%CI:( 1.8-11.04)], and previous history of surgery [AOR:1,95%CI(1.43–2.4)], were factors significantly associated with preoperative anemia. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of preoperative anemia among adult patients who underwent elective orthopedics procedures was high. Low Monthly income, patients with cancer, patient with malaria infection, and patients with anti-retroviral therapy, previous histories of surgery were found significantly associated with preoperative anemia. So, we recommend to health professional’s early identification, diagnosis and treatment of preoperative anemia should be done to reduce the risks of anemia and related adverse outcomes.