ANKMJ
Ankyra Medical Journal

Ankyra Medical Journal (AnkMJ), formerly known as the Journal of Translational and Practical Medicine, regularly publishes international quality issues in the field of Medicine in the light of current information.

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Original Article
Retrospective evaluation of anemia in elderly patients receiving home care services
Abstract
Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the morphological and etiological distribution of anemia in patients aged ?65 years receiving home care services and to investigate its associations with polypharmacy, comorbidities, and nutritional support.
Methods: This single-center, retrospective cross-sectional study included 306 patients followed by the home care unit of a tertiary hospital in 2024. Demographic data, laboratory parameters, comorbidities, nutritional status, and medication use were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v27.0, and p<0,05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The mean age was 82,6±7,1 years, and 60,8% of participants were female. Normocytic anemia was the most prevalent morphological type (78,1%), followed by microcytic (19,6%) and macrocytic (2,3%) anemia. Anemia severity was classified as mild (42,8%), moderate (52,9%), or severe (4,2%). The most common etiological profile was mixed-type anemia, particularly the combination of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and anemia of chronic inflammation (ACI) (36,9%). Polypharmacy was significantly associated with ACI (p=0,044), while chronic kidney disease was associated with a lower prevalence of isolated IDA (p=0,024).
Conclusion: Anemia in elderly patients receiving home care services is predominantly normocytic and multifactorial. Optimal management requires a comprehensive approach that includes assessment of nutritional status, comorbidities, and polypharmacy.

Keywords : Aged, home care services, anemia, inflammation, iron deficiency anemia

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Article available in :
Volume 5, Issue 3, 2026
Page : 74-79
https://doi.org/10.51271/ANKMJ-0071
Article Information
Received : 24 Şub 2026
Accepted : 06 Nis 2026
Published : 07 Tem 2026
Corresponding Author :

Emre Köktaş: Department of Family Medicine, İzmir City Hospital, İzmir, Turkiye

[email protected]
Citation : Köktaş E, Tuncer Ö. Retrospective evaluation of anemia in elderly patients receiving home health care services. Ank Med J. 2026;5(3):74-79. doi:10.51271/ANKMJ-0071

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