Spectrum of Anemia Among Adults in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Dhaka: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background:  Anemia remains a significant global health concern, particularly in developing countries where it affects a large proportion of the adult population. It is characterized by a reduction in the number of red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin, leading to inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues. This study aims to explore the prevalence and pattern of anemia among adults in a tertiary care hospital in Dhaka. Methods: This was a one-year, cross-sectional observational study conducted between 2013 and 2014 in the Department of Internal Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh, to evaluate the spectrum of anemia among adult patients. A total of 100 adult patients were selected as study subjects. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 20). Result: The study found that anemia was most commonly diagnosed in females (55%) and individuals aged 41-50 years (30%). The majority of patients presented with fatigue (80%), pallor (70%), and weakness (60%). Iron deficiency anemia was the most prevalent type, affecting 45% of the patients, followed by anemia of chronic disease (30%) and megaloblastic anemia (20%). The severity of anemia was moderate in most cases (45%), with 40% of patients exhibiting mild anemia and 15% experiencing severe anemia. Treatment primarily consisted of iron supplementation, with 50% of patients receiving oral iron and 25% receiving parenteral iron. Conclusion: This study revealed that iron deficiency anemia was the most prevalent form of anemia among adults, followed by anemia of chronic disease and megaloblastic anemia. The findings emphasize the significant role of nutritional deficiencies and chronic conditions in the development of anemia. The high prevalence of anemia in individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds highlights the need for targeted public health interventions to improve early detection, prevention, and treatment strategies.