Anemia Burden among Hospital Attendees in Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Background Anemia is a major health problem in Saudi Arabia and has multiple etiologies. Many studies have been conducted in Saudi Arabia in specific population groups like school children, adolescents, university students, and females in the reproductive age group, and most have reported high prevalence of anemia. This study was conducted in a specialist hospital in Makkah city and includes all outpatients aged 15 years and above. Objective To study the burden of anemia among hospital attendees, its stratification based on gender and age, and its severity along with the morphological types of anemia. Methods This is a study conducted at a specialist hospital in Makkah city and one-month data were collected retrospectively from the laboratory database and include demographic and routine hematological results of complete blood count (CBC). Results A total of 21,524 patients were included, out of which 9444 (43.9%) were males and 12020 (56.1%) were females. The overall prevalence of anemia was 38.7% (8339). Prevalence was very high in females, accounting for 68.2% (5689), whereas it was 31.8% (2650) in males. There were 39.6% (3301), 43.9% (3657), and 16.6% (1381) cases of mild, moderate, and severe anemia, respectively. In females, anemia was more prevalent in the age group of 15 to 49, which is considered as the reproductive age group. Microcytic anemia was the most prevalent type observed in this age group, accounting for 40.7% of all anemia cases. Normocytic anemia was more prevalent in the males, accounting for 52%. Conclusion Our study showed high prevalence of anemia among the patients attending outpatient departments in a specialist hospital. Females have high prevalence of anemia when compared to male population. Microcytic anemia was the most common anemia type among females and was seen in the 15–49 age group. There is an increase in prevalence of anemia with age for males, whereas, in females, increased prevalence is observed in the reproductive age groups and the anemia prevalence maintained a steady decrease towards the 5th to the 9th decades. Normocytic anemia was more prevalent in the 5th to the 9th decades, indicating that there are more etiologies other than iron deficiency in the causation of anemia. Macrocytic anemia was the least reported anemia type. Anemia of mild and moderate severity was predominant in both genders, although severe anemia showed higher prevalence in females as compared to males. Conclusion Our study showed high prevalence of anemia among the patients attending outpatient departments in a specialist hospital. Females have high prevalence of anemia when compared to male population. Microcytic anemia was the most common anemia type among females and was seen in the 15–49 age group. There is an increase in prevalence of anemia with age for males, whereas, in females, increased prevalence is observed in the reproductive age groups and the anemia prevalence maintained a steady decrease towards the 5th to the 9th decades. Normocytic anemia was more prevalent in the 5th to the 9th decades, indicating that there are more etiologies other than iron deficiency in the causation of anemia. Macrocytic anemia was the least reported anemia type. Anemia of mild and moderate severity was predominant in both genders, although severe anemia showed higher prevalence in females as compared to males. Conclusion. Anemia is highly prevalent in adolescents, adults, and the elderly in Makkah region. The most common cause is thought to be iron deficiency, although other causes are not uncommon. The authorities need to address the problem of prevention and reduction in anemia prevalence by taking effective measures and interventions.