Date : 15th-17th MARCH 2022
Topic: Common Health Issues among Malaysian Elderly and the Potential Barriers in Accessing Healthcare Services.
Presenter: Asst. Prof. Dr. Edmond Ng Siah Chye
Asst. Prof. Dr. Edmond Ng has presented his Abstract titled “Common Health Issues among Malaysian Elderly and the Potential Barriers in Accessing Healthcare Services.” at the 10th Malaysian Hybrid Conference on Health Ageing held on 15th – 17th March 2022 at Bayview Hotel Georgetown, Penang.
Abstract
The National Health and Morbidity Survey (Institute of Public Health, Malaysia 2018) revealed that chronic non-communicable diseases include hypertension, type 2 diabetes, chronic heart disease, obesity and hypercholesterolemia, pose health risks for the elderly in Malaysia. Furthermore, orthopaedic conditions and disabilities may hinder routine activities and result in declining mental health due to limited activities. Hence, this research aimed to i. identify the major health issues prevalent among the Malaysian elderly, ii. determine possible barriers to accessing healthcare services, and iii. underlying motives due to which they either visit a private or a public healthcare facility. A cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 150 participants were randomly recruited to undertake a self-administered questionnaire. Among these respondents, 65% (n=97) were 55-59 years old, followed by 19% (n=28) in 60-64, 10% (n=15) in 65-69 and 6% (n=9) above 70 years old. Moreover, 72 were male, and 78 were female. About 42% were suffering from high blood pressure, 9.3% had diabetes mellitus, 8% had cardiac diseases, and 8% were suffering from obesity. Furthermore, cost, long queues and distance of healthcare centres were most top barriers that restricted access to healthcare services. Finally, it was established that the participants preferred getting treatment in private settings because of the high waiting time for the appointments in public settings. It is concluded that non-communicable diseases are more common among the elderly Malaysian population. Thus, an awareness program could improve access to proper healthcare services, and many diseases may be prevented through early diagnosis and treatment.
Keywords: Barriers In Accessing Healthcare Services; Elderly; Health Issues
