Distribution of biochemical and haematological parameters in an aging population from southern India: A cross-sectional analysis

Abstract

Background: Examining the distribution of biochemical and haematological tests in different age groups of rural population is necessary to ensure that health care facilities are equipped to address the prevalent health conditions and manage age-related illness effectively. Hence, this study is aimed at seeing the distributions of blood biochemical and haematological parameters in rural population.

Methods: This cross-sectional study investigated the distribution of 26 different haematological and biochemical parameters in longitudinal cohort study (Srinivaspura Aging, NeuoSenescence and COGnition - SANSCOG), from the villages of Srinivaspura, Kolar district, India. A total of 2592 participants (1240 males and 1352 females), aged ≥45 years who are cognitively healthy were included for the analysis. Mean, 2.5^th, 5^th, 25^th, 50^th, 75^th, 95^th and 97.5^th percentiles were calculated for the entire sample. Additionally, median and percentiles were determined for both gender and age categories (45-54, 55-64, 65-74, and ≥75 years).

Results: We observed the distinct distributions of various haematological and biochemical parameters, with elevated levels of glycaemic, lipid, liver, and thyroid parameters.

Conclusion: Findings revealed the notable variations from the established reference ranges, indicating the potential undiagnosed cases and highlighting the gaps in health awareness and health seeking behaviour.

Keywords: Biochemical parameters; India; haematological parameters; health care; rural.