Prevalence of anemia and its association with dietary pattern among elderly population of urban slums in Kochi

BACKGROUND: Anemia is common among the elderly and it is the reason behind their poor survival. Anemia among the elderly is consistently disregarded, which can even incite cardiovascular complexities. The risk of physical decline for the elderly with iron insufficiency is twofold than that of others in the same age. The elderly populace dwelling in urban slums is progressively influenced. Hence, the objective was to study the prevalence of anemia among elderly dwelling in urban slums of Kochi corporation and its association with the dietary pattern. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 165 elderly (60 years of age and above), residing in urban slums of Kochi corporation. The hemoglobin level was measured using Heamocue and the dietary pattern was assessed by a structured pretested questionnaire eliciting a 7-day dietary recall. RESULTS: The prevalence of anemia among the elderly was observed to be 60.6%, out of which 66% were females and 49% were males. The elderly females were found to be more vulnerable to anemia. CONCLUSION: Anemia was found to be significantly high among the elderly population in urban slums of Kochi. Regular screening and management of anemia along with dietary awareness have become the need of the hour.