Relationship between Selected Functional Performance Parameters and the Occurrence of Anaemia in Hospitalized Females and Males Aged 80 and More

Abstract

Anaemia is considered a factor that significantly increases the risk of disability and mortality in the elderly. Among the hospitalized elderly, the incidence of anaemia is higher than in the general population, which necessitates extensive diagnostics for anaemia in this group. The aim was to assess the relationship between the occurrence of anaemia in hospitalized females and males, aged 80 years and more, and selected determinants of motor fitness. The analysis covered 91 females and 57 males aged 80 and more. The study implemented haemoglobin level, handgrip strength, a lower limb strength, mobility and balance measurement. The analysis used the logistic regression model and the cut-off point was determined by ROC curve. A 1 kg increase in muscle strength reduced the risk of anaemia in a group of males by 12%. The value of handgrip strength from which anaemia can be predicted in a group of males is 24.4 kg. In the female group, no statistically significant correlations were found. There is a need to continue research in this area with the participation of a larger group of respondents to look for potential factors that may be related to anaemia, in order to find non-invasive diagnostic tools useful for elderly people.

Keywords: ageing; anaemia; handgrip strength; health; hospitalization; physical performance.

Figure 1

Flow diagram presenting the stages of including subjects in the analysis.

Figure 2

ROC curve parameters for dominant upper-limb strength, which are predictors of anaemia in the male group, AUC: 0.736 (0.602–0.870), cut-off point: 24.4 kg.