Prevalence of Anemia and Its Associated Factors Among Chronic Heart Failure Patients at Arsi University Asella Referral and Teaching Hospital, Southeast Ethiopia

Introduction: Anemia is common in heart failure patients. It has been associated with an increased risk of hospitalization, morbidities, and considerable mortality in heart failure patients, making its correction an important element in improving the quality of life and clinical outcomes of patients. The magnitude of anemia and its associated factors among heart failure patients were not explored in the study setting. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among chronic heart failure patients at Asella referral and teaching hospital in southeast Ethiopia. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 264 heart failure patients who visited the cardiac follow-up clinic at Asella referral and teaching hospital, Southeast Ethiopia. A systematic random sampling method was used to select the study participants. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess factors associated with anemia in chronic heart failure patients. Statistical significance was declared at a p-value < 0.05. Results: The overall anemia prevalence was 27.3% (95% CI: 21.98, 32.6) among chronic heart failure patients. Age ≥ 60 years (AOR = 3.17, 95% CI: 1.02-9.87), female sex (AOR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.31-5.01), utilization of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) (AOR = 3.81, 95% CI: 1.81-7.94), history of previous hospitalization (AOR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.31-5.01), and higher New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class (class III (AOR = 2.81, 95% CI: 1.21-6.55), class IV (AOR = 6.38, 95% CI: 1.29-13.57)) were significantly associated with anemia among heart failure patients. Conclusion: This study revealed that the prevalence of anemia among chronic heart failure patients was high. Improved screening protocols and tailored interventions addressing older patients, females, patients taking ACEIs, and patients with advanced heart failure are essential for enhancing early detection and management of anemia in chronic heart failure patients to reduce associated morbidity and mortality.