ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ANEMIA, PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE, DEPENDENCY, AND MORTALITY IN OLDER ADULTS IN THE NORTH-WEST REGION OF RUSSIA

Objective: To assess the prevalence of anemia and its impact on physical performance, dependency, and mortality in older adults in the north-west region of Russia. Design: A population-based prospective cohort study. Setting: A random sample of the population living in the Kolpino District. Participants: A total of 611 community-dwelling individuals aged 65 years and older. Measurements: Hemoglobin, gender, age, comorbidity, creatinine, C-reactive protein, body mass index, the Mini Nutritional Assessment, the Short Physical Performance Battery, grip strength, the Barthel Index, the Mini-Mental State Examination, and the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale were measured/administered. A second screening was organized after 33.4±3 months. The total observation time was 47 ± 14.6 months. Results: The prevalence of anemia was higher in men (21.4%) than in women (18.6%). After adjustment for age, gender, nutritional status, creatinine levels, mental impairment, and various comorbid conditions, significant associations were found between anemia and dependency [OR(95% СI) = 1.798 (1.068 – 3.029); p = 0.027], lower physical performance [ β(95%CI) = -0.717 (-1,334 – -0.100); p = 0.023], and greater risk of mortality [HR (95%CI) = 1.871 (1.284 – -2.728); p = 0.001]. Participants with anemia and CRP levels > 5 had a higher risk of mortality compared with anemic participants with lower CRP levels [HR (95%CI) = 3.417 (1.869 – 6.245); p = 0.000]. Conclusion: The estimated prevalence of anemia in the population aged 65 years and older is 19.3% (95%CI = 15.99 – 23.13). Anemia is associated with poor physical performance and dependency and is an independent predictor of mortality in older individuals.