Prevalence of Anemia and Hemoglobin Distribution Based on Large-scale Occupational Health Examination Data

Objective To calculate the prevalence of anemia based on sex and age using large-scale occupational health examination data, confirm the Hb) distribution in the elderly, and examine the standard for screening for anemia in Japan. Methods Using existing large-scale occupational health examination data of patients who underwent health examinations between April 2015 and March 2022, we calculated the prevalence of anemia based on sex and age. Patients We included 416,366 patients aged 20-89 years who underwent health checkups at health checkup facilities in Japan. Results Of the patients, 53.5% were men. The proportion of previously anemic individuals was 3.2% in men and 19.7% in women, with Hb levels (mean ± SD) of 15.1±1.1 g/dL in men and 13.1±1.2 g/dL in women. The prevalence of anemia showed a monotonic increase with age in men and a bimodal distribution, peaking in women in their 40s and 70s. Among women in their 20s-40s, 17.9% had anemia, and 60% were newly diagnosed. Furthermore, the mean -2SD of Hb in the elderly men (>65 years) was 12.0 g/dL, larger than the current standard (11.0 g/dL). Conclusion It is imperative to consider the possibility of anemia in young women during health examinations and other screening opportunities, regardless of their history of anemia. In addition, elderly men with Hb levels <12 g/dL should be cautioned about the development of anemic symptoms and the progression of Hb decline.