NoorAni A, Rajini S, Balkish MN, Noraida MK, SMaria A, Fadhli MY, Jabrullah AH, Tahir A. Morbidity patterns and healthcare utilisation among older people in Malaysia: 1996-2015.
Public Health 2018;
163:105-112. [PMID:
30121437 DOI:
10.1016/j.puhe.2018.06.018]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 05/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
This article examines the trends in morbidities and healthcare utilisation in Malaysian older people aged 60 years and above.
STUDY DESIGN
This is a repeated cross-sectional study.
METHODS
Data from three nation-wide community-based surveys, which were conducted in 1996, 2006, and 2015 were analysed. Multivariate analysis was performed for 2015 data to identify factors associated with healthcare utilisation.
RESULTS
Analysis noted increasing trends in the prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia and obesity from 1996 to 2015. Decreasing trends were noted in the prevalence of current smokers and drinkers over this 20-year period, whereas health service utilisation increased with age in all surveys. In 2015, both inpatient and outpatient care are significantly associated with increasing age and diabetes.
CONCLUSIONS
Increasing trends of health problems and healthcare utilisation were observed among older people in Malaysia. Policymakers should plan for appropriate resources to meet the challenges of an ageing population in Malaysia.
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