Hematological indices and undiagnosed anemia among adult male patients in Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Background: Hematological indices are essential tools for evaluating physiological and pathological conditions, particularly anemia, which may remain undiagnosed in adult males due to the absence of specific clinical symptoms. This study aimed to assess the distribution of hematological indices and identify undiagnosed anemia among adult male patients.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 211 adult male participants attending outpatient services at Security Forces Hospital in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Blood samples were analyzed using an automated hematology analyzer to measure complete blood count parameters. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin <13 g/dL. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and independent-samples t-test were applied.

Results: Anemia was identified in 30 participants (14.2%), predominantly among older age groups. The mean hemoglobin level was significantly lower among anemic participants compared to non-anemic participants (11.52 ± 1.38 g/dL vs 14.93 ± 1.23 g/ dL, p<0.001). Most participants were asymptomatic, although a substantial proportion of anemic participants also lacked clinical symptoms. Microcytic red blood cells were observed in 28.0% of participants, with 28.8% of them being anemic, while 8.6% of normocytic participants were anemic. Anemia severity was mainly mild to moderate.

Conclusions: Anemia and subclinical hematological abnormalities are common among adult males and often clinically silent, highlighting the importance of routine laboratory screening for early detection and prevention.