Resumo

MARQUES, Filipa et al. Contextualising the High Prevalence of Anaemia in the Portuguese Population: Perception, Characterisation and Predictors: an EMPIRE Sub-Study. Medicina Interna [online]. 2016, vol.23, n.4, pp.26-38. ISSN 0872-671X.

Introduction: Anaemia is a public health issue with negative impact on quality of life. We aim to evaluate the perception of anaemia diagnosis in the Portuguese population, as well as evaluate the characteristics and predictors of anaemia. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional, epidemiological study comprising a sample of 7890 adults representative of the Portuguese population. Participants were inquired about their demographic, anthropometric and clinical characteristics, and their perception about the diagnosis of anaemia; serum levels of haemoglobin, ferritin, creatinine and C-reactive protein were measured using point-ofcare devices. Anaemia was classified according to the criteria of the World Health Organization. Results: Although the prevalence on anaemia in Portugal is estimated at 20.6%, only 10.2% of participants referred having had a diagnosis of anaemia. The perception of anaemia was higher within the region of Lisbon and Tagus Valley (20.6%). Nutritional deficiency anaemia (57.7%), especially iron deficiency anaemia (52.7%), represented most known diagnosed cases. Only 52.6% of participants that have had the diagnosis of anaemia reported being treated; among those, iron supplementation was the most common treatment. At the time of the study only 0.8% of participants with “measured” anaemia was on specific treatment. The following predictors of anaemia were identified: female gender, age ≥ 80 years, vegetarian diet, student as professional situation, treatment with anticoagulants and gastric protectors, renal failure, and iron deficiency. Discussion and Conclusions: Although anaemia affects approximately one in five Portuguese residents, the perception of the disease is alarmingly low, suggesting a high rate of undiagnosed/untreated cases. Strategies to improve awareness of this condition should be urgently developed, especially in high-risk groups.

Palavras-chave : Anemia/therapy; Iron-Deficiency; Folic Acid; Iron/deficiency; Portugal; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Vitamin B12.

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