The prevalence of anaemia in the over-65s in a rural practice
Hill, R.D.
Practitioner 217(1302): 963-967
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0032-6518 PMID: 1013047 Document Number: 103296
On the island of Barra in the Outer Hebrides, total population 1340, Hb values were estimated in 83 of 90 men and 137 of 156 women over 65 years old, none of whom had a known disability. Anaemia was present in 13.25% of the men and in 13.97% of the women. Social status, income and outlook on diet were similar for all subjects. It is concluded that Hb value was significant only at the time it was taken since a normal one could change very rapidly in the elderly. Most patients with low Hb values were treated with Fe by mouth until Hb rose above normal and for 3 months thereafter. Regular estimation of Hb value in elderly subjects is not considered to be worth while.