Hematological, Biochemical, and Lipid Profile Characteristics and Correlational Analysis among Elderly Participants in a Community-Based Population Study

Abstract

Population aging increases the importance of routine laboratory assessment for identifying subclinical hematological and metabolic abnormalities among older adults. This study evaluated the hematological, biochemical, renal, and lipid profiles of community-dwelling older adults in Manila and examined selected correlations among clinically relevant laboratory parameters. A cross-sectional descriptive-correlational design was employed among 206 participants aged 60 years and above who were recruited from different districts of Manila. Venous blood samples were analyzed for hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet count, red blood cell indices, fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, lipid parameters, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and uric acid. Descriptive statistics and Pearson product-moment correlation analysis were used. Most participants had normal hemoglobin, platelet, red blood cell index, fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine levels. However, low hemoglobin and hematocrit values were observed in 19.9% and 26.2% of participants, respectively. Lipid abnormalities were prominent, with elevated total cholesterol in 54.9%, elevated triglycerides and very-low-density lipoprotein in 31.6%, low high-density lipoprotein in 32.0%, and elevated low-density lipoprotein in 17.0%. Elevated uric acid was found in 21.4% of participants. Hemoglobin was strongly correlated with hematocrit, while fasting blood glucose showed a weak but significant positive correlation with glycated hemoglobin. The findings indicate that generally preserved hematological and renal profiles may coexist with substantial lipid, glycemic, and uric acid abnormalities. Routine community-based laboratory screening may support early detection and targeted preventive interventions among older adults.