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Epidemiology of iron deficiency anaemia in four European countries: a population‐based study in primary care
Author(s) -
Levi Miriam,
Rosselli Matteo,
Simonetti Monica,
Brignoli Ovidio,
Cancian Maurizio,
Masotti Adriana,
Pegoraro Valeria,
Cataldo Nazarena,
Heiman Franca,
Chelo Manuela,
Cricelli Iacopo,
Cricelli Claudio,
Lapi Francesco
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
european journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 84
eISSN - 1600-0609
pISSN - 0902-4441
DOI - 10.1111/ejh.12776
Subject(s) - medicine , epidemiology , incidence (geometry) , public health , population , demography , aspirin , primary care , environmental health , health care , primary health care , pediatrics , family medicine , pathology , physics , sociology , optics , economics , economic growth
Objectives Iron deficiency anaemia ( IDA ) is a global public health concern, being responsible for about 800 000 deaths per year worldwide. To date, few studies have investigated the epidemiology of IDA in Europe. This study therefore aimed to assess the incidence rate and determinants of IDA in four European countries. Methods Demographic and clinical information was obtained from four national primary care databases, respectively, for Italy, Belgium, Germany and Spain. IDA ‐related determinants were estimated using multivariable Cox regression. Results The annual incidence rates of IDA ranged between 7.2 and 13.96 per 1000 person‐years. The estimates were higher in Spain and Germany. Females, younger and older patients were at greater risk of IDA , as well as those suffering from gastrointestinal diseases, pregnant women and those with history of menometrorrhagia, and aspirin and/or antacids users. A Charlson Index >0 was a significant determinant of IDA in all countries. Conclusions The use of primary care databases allowed us to assess the incidence rate and determinants of IDA in four European countries. Given the crucial role of general practitioners in the diagnosis and management of this condition, our findings may contribute to increase the awareness of IDA among physicians as well as to reduce its occurrence among at‐risk patients.