Prevalence of Anemia and Its Association with Handgrip Strength in Indonesian Elderly Population: A Cross-Sectional Study Using Indonesian Family Life Survey Data Year 2014-2015

Abstract

Aim This study aimed to elucidate the prevalence of anemia in Indonesian elderly population aged ≥60 years old and to analyze its association with handgrip strength in the elderly. Method This was a cross-sectional study using data from Indonesian Family Life Survey-5 (IFLS-5). All participants aged ≥60 years old were included in this study. Exclusion criteria were: (1) respondents who refused to take health measurements (hemoglobin level, handgrip strength, weight, stature, and waist circumference); (2) respondents with incomplete or missing data; (3) respondents with history of stroke; and (4) respondents with history of pain, swelling, inflammation, injury, and surgery on one or both hands within the last 6 months. The dependent variable for this study was handgrip strength. The independent variables were hemoglobin level, gender, age, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, smoking history, comorbidities, and current use of drug therapies. Statistical analyses included correlation, bivariable, and multivariable analyses. Result A total of 3192 individuals were selected for analysis. Overall, 38.8% of participants aged ≥60 years had anemia based on definition of anemia by WHO. There was a positive correlation between hemoglobin level and handgrip strength in Indonesian elderly population (r: 0.349; p value: 0.000). Multivariable analysis showed that anemia was significantly associated with weak handgrip strength (OR: 1.557; 95% CI: 1.314-1.846; p value: 0.000). This association was stronger for males and elderly aged ≥80 years old. Conclusion Based on the results, anemia was associated with weak handgrip strength in Indonesian elderly population and it is more pronounced in males and elderly aged ≥80 years old.